Released: 2008
“Appetite” by Usher delves into the internal struggle faced by a committed man who, despite being in a loving relationship, battles with the temptation of other women. Usher conveys his vulnerability and candidly acknowledges the dual life that he sometimes entertains in his mind. Throughout the song, he underscores the importance of remaining faithful to his partner, reminding men of the consequences of giving in to temptation.
The hook sets the tone of the song immediately. Usher candidly admits to the real struggle of being committed while also having a desire that doesn’t always align with his values. By using “Appetite” as a metaphor, Usher equates his wandering eye to hunger, something natural but also controllable with effort. His declaration that this is a “true story” brings a raw, autobiographical touch, making listeners feel the gravity of his confessions.
The first verse opens with Usher painting the picture of domestic bliss. He mentions his wedding band and his identity as a “lucky man,” suggesting that he should be completely satisfied. However, Usher is honest about the complexity of human desires. Late at night, when everything is quiet, he’s troubled by his impulses. He tries to justify his actions, rationalizing that chatting online isn’t truly cheating, yet he knows deep down he’s lying to himself. This verse is rich with emotional conflict, as Usher wrestles with his conscience.
Moving into the chorus, Usher repeats the phrase “fight that appetite,” emphasizing the struggle and urging himself, as well as others, to resist temptation. He acknowledges the temptations that come with the lifestyle of fame but urges himself and others to remember the value of their relationships. By suggesting “put my B.S. under arrest,” he cleverly uses legal jargon to imply taking responsibility for his actions and reining in undesirable behavior.
The second verse captures a specific scenario, filled with temptations and chances for missteps. Here, Usher finds himself stuck due to delayed flights and has a casual encounter that could easily turn into something more. He demonstrates a sharp awareness of the pitfalls in such interactions, knowing well “how it starts” but consciously choosing to stay committed to his partner. This verse adds a narrative element to the song, bringing Usher’s internal monologue into a real-world setting.
In the bridge, Usher ruminates over the effects of being Usher Raymond – a successful, famous individual with an “appetite for the ladies” thrown his way more often than not. With dark-tinted windows on his ride, he speaks of the allure of a secret life but ultimately reiterates his commitment by the symbolic presence of the wedding band on his hand. Despite all temptations, Usher portrays his dedication to making the right choices for the sake of his relationship.
Throughout the song, Usher uses simple, yet potent colloquial expressions, keeping his language accessible and relatable. Phrases like “man I, I was on,” signify moments of weakness or near infidelity, where he was tempted but eventually “ate dinner at home.” Such metaphorical language highlights how easy it can be to slip but also how important it is to maintain discipline.
The pre-chorus reflects a turning point, highlighting Usher’s intention to prioritize his partner over his fleeting desires. His assertion “I don’t want to be that fool” stresses the significance of making wise decisions to avoid hurting his loved one. There’s an acknowledgment of his weaknesses, but more importantly, a commitment to keeping those weaknesses in check.
The closing part of the song serves as a cautionary message to others, warning against feeding the appetite. The metaphor is vividly portrayed as Usher warns that giving in can lead to dire consequences such as losing a loved one, thus stressing the need to listen to reason. The scenario of punching up numbers and being locked out symbolizes being shut out from love due to one’s mistakes, acting as a deterrent for himself and his listeners.
In “Appetite,” Usher navigates a complex emotional landscape, delivering an introspective reflection on fidelity, fame, and the trials of maintaining a healthy relationship in the face of temptation. By the end of the song, it’s clear that while Usher grapples with real temptations, his commitment to “doing right by my lady” serves as a hopeful testament to loyalty and love. This song isn’t just about individual struggle; it reflects a broader human experience, especially within the backdrop of the temptations associated with the entertainment industry.
