This Is Hardcore

Pulp's 'This Is Hardcore' delves into the gritty and often disillusioning world of adult fantasies and the entertainment industry. The song, with its sultry and dramatic tone, is a narrative about the allure and the dark side of the hardcore lifestyle, possibly a metaphor for the pornographic film industry. The lyrics suggest a person who is enticed by the glamour and excitement of this world, yet there's an underlying sense of emptiness and the inevitable letdown after the thrill is gone.

The protagonist of the song seems to be speaking to someone who embodies the hardcore lifestyle, expressing a desire to be part of it and to experience its intensity. The repeated line 'Oh, this is hardcore' emphasizes the realization of being in too deep, with no way back to innocence or naivety. The song's climax, 'This is the eye of the storm,' followed by 'This is the end of the line,' suggests a moment of clarity amidst the chaos, recognizing the unsustainability of such a lifestyle. The mention of 'men in stained raincoats' is a direct reference to a stereotype of people who consume adult films, highlighting the seedy and transactional nature of the industry.

The song ends with a reflection on the aftermath of the experience, questioning what comes after such an intense high. The 'encore' metaphorically asks what is left when the performance is over and the facade fades, pointing to a sense of hollowness and the search for meaning beyond the superficial thrills. Pulp, known for their sharp social commentary wrapped in catchy pop melodies, uses 'This Is Hardcore' to explore themes of desire, exploitation, and the quest for authenticity in a world obsessed with image and sensation.