“Cherry Flavoured” is a song by The Neighbourhood, released on July 31, 2020, as part of their album “Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones”.
Lead singer Jesse Rutherford explained that the title “Cherry Flavoured Conversations” represents interactions that seem sweet and appealing on the surface but may lack substance in reality. This metaphor extends throughout the song, reflecting on the superficial nature of some relationships and experiences in the music world.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
“Cherry Flavoured” Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1
“Sweet and sour motivation
Wish I could keep concentration”
This line captures the conflicting emotions the artist feels about his motivation. The “sweet and sour” metaphor suggests that while there are moments of inspiration, they are often mixed with challenges that make it hard to stay focused.
Chorus
“I’ve been getting high
It’s keeping me low now
I’m doing it alone now
I think I gotta slow down
And I know I
I gotta take control now
But I sold my soul a long time ago
I feel like a ghost now”
In these lines, the artist admits to using substances as a coping mechanism, which paradoxically makes him feel worse. The sense of isolation (“doing it alone now”) and the need to regain control are evident.
The phrase “sold my soul a long time ago” suggests a loss of authenticity or compromise, possibly due to the pressures of the music industry, leading to a feeling of emptiness or invisibility (“I feel like a ghost now”) .
Post-Chorus
“Oh
Oh”
These lines serve as a reflective pause, emphasizing the emotional weight of the preceding lines.
Refrain
“Cherry flavoured conversations with you
Got me hanging on
Down to Earth from all the waiting
Take me somewhere beyond”
The refrain, “Cherry flavoured conversations with you, Got me hanging on, Down to Earth from all the waiting, Take me somewhere beyond,” introduces a new set of images and ideas. “Cherry flavoured conversations” suggest that these interactions are sweet and enjoyable, yet not entirely real or substantial – they may be superficial or mask deeper issues. “Got me hanging on” implies a sense of dependency or attachment to these conversations, which could be a way to escape from the struggles mentioned earlier.
“Down to Earth from all the waiting” contrasts the idea of being grounded with the anticipation of something more exciting or meaningful. It implies that the waiting for something better has brought the speaker back to reality. “Take me somewhere beyond” reflects a desire for transcendence, for an escape from the mundane or painful aspects of life.
Verse 2
“I’ve been getting high
But I don’t ever stay up, nah, nah
I feel like I’m fading, yeah
Give me stimulation now
Get me to the next level
Come on, give me levitation, God
Slow dancin’ with the devil
Sent my soul on a lil’ vacation, yeah”
The second verse builds upon the themes introduced in the first verse and the chorus. “I’ve been getting high, But I don’t ever stay up, nah, nah” suggests a pattern of seeking highs or distractions but not experiencing a lasting positive effect. This could symbolize the fleeting nature of pleasure or relief found in these activities.
“I feel like I’m fading, yeah, Give me stimulation now, Get me to the next level, Come on, give me levitation, God” conveys a sense of desperation and a yearning for something more intense or extraordinary. The desire for “levitation” and the mention of “God” might hint at a spiritual or transcendent element to the speaker’s search for meaning or escape.
“Slow dancin’ with the devil, Sent my soul on a lil’ vacation, yeah” is a stark and evocative image. “Slow dancin’ with the devil” suggests a dangerous and self-destructive path, while “sent my soul on a lil’ vacation” implies a temporary escape from the consequences of one’s actions. This line reinforces the idea that the speaker is engaging in harmful behaviors or choices.
Outro
“Lover boy
Body toy
Cold, cold
Body toy
Cold, cold
I tried to drown
All the pills, I wish they’d
Lover boy
Cold”
The outro consists of repetitive phrases and words that evoke a sense of emptiness and detachment. “Lover boy, Body toy, Cold, cold” suggests a cycle of superficial and ultimately unfulfilling relationships or interactions. The repetition of “Cold, cold” emphasizes a feeling of emotional numbness or detachment.
“I tried to drown, All the pills, I wish they’d, Lover boy, Cold” hints at a struggle with substance abuse and the desire for relief from emotional pain. The mention of “Lover boy” and “Body toy” underscores the theme of seeking pleasure or distraction in relationships or physical experiences.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Cherry Flavoured”
“Cherry Flavoured” by The Neighbourhood is a song that explores contrast between superficial sweetness and the more complex, often disappointing reality beneath the surface.
Jesse Rutherford, the band’s lead singer, explained that “Cherry Flavoured Conversations” represents interactions that seem sweet and appealing on the surface but may not hold up in reality. The phrase suggests a kind of superficial allure—something that appears desirable and pleasant but lacks depth and substance when examined more closely.
Rutherford also mentioned that he realized he might be the one “putting the cherry flavoring” in these conversations. This realization points to the idea that he might have been sugar-coating or idealizing situations or interactions, rather than confronting their true nature.
The lyrics describe a person who is using various means, including substances and superficial interactions, to escape from their inner turmoil and dissatisfaction.
However, these escapes are temporary, and the speaker is left feeling disconnected, like a “ghost.” The song ultimately conveys a sense of longing for something more meaningful and transcendent, a desire to break free from destructive patterns and find a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
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.