Cherry
Jungle
The Unyielding Blossom of Self-Change
The song "Cherry" by Jungle delves into the themes of personal growth and the futility of trying to change others. The repetitive chorus, "You never gonna change me," serves as a strong assertion of the speaker's resistance to external attempts at altering their essence. This refrain is juxtaposed with the admission, "I was already changin'," which suggests that while the speaker is open to personal evolution, they reject the notion that someone else can dictate the direction or nature of this change.
The lyrics use the metaphor of flowers in various contexts to illustrate the speaker's emotional journey. The line "Flowers in the garden that won't grow" could symbolize relationships or aspects of the self that are stagnant due to a lack of change or nurturing. In contrast, the mention of "Flowers on the train" might represent the movement and progression of life, highlighting the difference between static and dynamic states of being. The overarching message is that life and personal growth are like a garden that requires change to flourish.
Jungle, known for their modern soul with funk influences, often explores themes of love, life, and human connections in their music. "Cherry" is no exception, as it reflects on the complexities of relationships and self-identity. The song suggests that while we may desire to protect or perfect those we care about, ultimately, each person must be responsible for their own growth and change. The insistence on self-change over imposed change is a powerful reminder of the importance of personal agency in the journey of life.