“Cologne” by beabadoobee, released as part of the Our Extended Play EP, delves into themes of lust, longing, and the complexities of growing up. The lyrics explore the artist’s desire to feel seductive and wanted, while also revealing insecurities and a need for approval.
The song blends indie rock elements with beabadoobee’s signature angelic vocals, creating a sound that is both catchy and introspective. She herself claimed that talking about sex felt awkward, but she is projecting maturity by showing vulnerability in her music.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Cologne” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
Am I seductive?
Call me back in an hour
If you wanna go back home
Oh, babe, at least leave the scent of your cologne
Leave the scent of your cologne
The opening lines reveal vulnerability and a desire for validation. The speaker questions their attractiveness and seeks affirmation through physical intimacy. The reference to cologne suggests a longing for a lasting sensory reminder of the encounter.
[Chorus]
I’m not done yet
Please, kiss my neck
Let’s go for another round
I hate what this song is about
The chorus expresses a mix of desire and self-awareness. The speaker wants to continue the physical encounter but simultaneously acknowledges discomfort with the song’s subject matter. This internal conflict highlights the complexity of the emotions involved.
[Verse 2]
Am I attractive?
Tell me, am I good enough?
Lately, I’ve been on and off
I think I’ve hurt too much
My wrists are numb
Hurt too much, my limbs are numb
This section delves deeper into the speaker’s insecurities. Questions about self-worth and attractiveness are paired with admissions of emotional pain, suggesting a connection between past hurts and current behavior.
[Post-Chorus]
You’re in my hеad
You’re in my head
(Fuck)
The repetition of “You’re in my head” emphasizes obsessive thoughts about the other person.
[Verse 3]
I’m so attractive
Think I’m goin’ to еxplode
Baby, I’ve been home alone
Won’t you just drop your shit and pick up the phone
(Drop your shit and pick up the phone)
The final verse shows a shift towards more assertive behavior, with the speaker demanding attention. However, this assertiveness seems to stem from loneliness and a desperate need for connection rather than genuine confidence.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Cologne”
“Cologne” by beabadoobee explores themes of sexual desire, self-discovery, and the complexities of young adulthood. The song delves into the artist’s experience with wanting to feel desired and seductive, while simultaneously grappling with feelings of insecurity and self-doubt.
The track represents a departure from beabadoobee’s usual lyrical content, focusing explicitly on sex and physical attraction. This shift demonstrates her growth as an artist and her willingness to explore more mature themes. The lyrics reveal a tension between the desire to be perceived as alluring and the underlying uncertainty about one’s own worth, as evidenced by lines like “am I good enough”.
Interestingly, beabadoobee expresses ambivalence about the song’s subject matter, repeating the phrase “I hate what this song is about”. This suggests a level of discomfort or conflict with the explicit nature of the lyrics, possibly reflecting her own journey of self-discovery and the challenges of discussing intimate topics publicly. The artist has acknowledged feeling “awkward” about addressing sex in her music, which adds another layer of complexity to the song’s meaning.
The music video for “Cologne” further enhances the song’s themes by juxtaposing the sexual content of the lyrics with imagery of friendship and youthful rebellion. This contrast highlights the multifaceted nature of young adulthood, where sexual desire coexists with the need for companionship and the urge to challenge societal norms. The video’s action movie-inspired narrative also serves as a metaphor for the excitement and unpredictability of sexual experiences and relationships.
Ultimately, “Cologne” represents beabadoobee’s exploration of her own sexuality and identity, while also commenting on the broader experience of navigating desire and intimacy as a young adult. The song’s conflicting emotions and raw honesty make it a poignant reflection on the complexities of growing up and discovering oneself.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.