Cherry Flavoured
The Neighbourhood
The Bittersweet Highs of 'Cherry Flavoured'
The Neighbourhood's song 'Cherry Flavoured' delves into the complexities of seeking escape and the ephemeral highs that come with it. The lyrics suggest a struggle with maintaining focus and the allure of substance use as a means to cope with life's challenges. The phrase 'sweet and sour motivation' encapsulates the duality of the singer's experience—there is an initial sweetness, a temporary pleasure, but it is inevitably followed by a sour, less desirable aftermath.
The recurring theme of getting high 'keeping me low now' indicates a recognition of the detrimental effects of drug use. Despite the temporary escape it provides, the artist acknowledges the need to regain control over his life. The metaphor of selling one's soul and feeling like a ghost reflects a sense of loss and detachment from oneself, a common sentiment in the throes of addiction or deep personal struggle. The cherry-flavoured conversations represent moments of connection and sweetness amidst the turmoil, yet they are fleeting and fail to provide lasting satisfaction or grounding.
The song's bridge introduces terms like 'lover boy' and 'body toy,' which could imply a sense of objectification or the use of relationships as another form of escapism. The cold repetition emphasizes a numbness or emotional detachment. Overall, 'Cherry Flavoured' paints a picture of someone caught between the desire for momentary relief and the realization that such relief is ultimately self-destructive, leaving them yearning for something more substantial and enduring.