The Meaning Behind The Song Cologne: Decoding The Lyrics

Cologne is a song by multiple artists, including Beabadoobee, Ben Folds, and Haux. Beabadoobee's Cologne is a straightforward song about sex, with the singer finding themselves attractive. Ben Folds' song is about two lovers trying to let go of their love as they live thousands of miles apart, with the second verse telling the true story of astronaut Lisa Nowak's crush on fellow astronaut William Oefelein. Haux's Cologne is inspired by the city of Cologne and the magic it holds for the singer.

Beabadoobee's 'Cologne' explores sexual themes and self-attraction

Beabadoobee's "Cologne" explores sexual themes and self-attraction, delving into the complexities of modern relationships. The song candidly expresses a yearning for physical connection alongside an underlying sense of insecurity and vulnerability. The lyrics portray the push and pull of attraction, with the protagonist seeking intimacy while grappling with self-image and emotional hurt.

In the song, the protagonist asks questions like "Am I seductive?" and "Am I attractive?", revealing a deep-seated need for validation and a desperate desire for affirmation from their partner. The mention of wanting their partner's cologne on them serves as a metaphor for lingering affection and the remnants of their partner's presence. The chorus, "I'm not done yet", highlights an insatiable need for more intimacy, even amid dissatisfaction and emotional discontent.

Beabadoobee herself confirmed the song's sexual themes in an interview with i-D, stating, "to be blatantly honest, I just wanted to write a song about sex and finding myself attractive." This intention is reflected in the lyrics, where the protagonist expresses their desire for physical connection and questions their self-worth in the context of a romantic relationship.

The song also captures the tumultuous interplay between desire and self-doubt. Lines like "Lately, I've been on and off" and "I think I've hurt too much" indicate a weariness that accompanies the pursuit of physical connection. The phrase "my wrists are numb" can be interpreted as emotional numbness, suggesting how past experiences might hinder their ability to engage fully in the present.

"Cologne" encapsulates the highs and lows of attraction, resonating with listeners who have experienced the excitement of desire alongside the emotional complexities that often follow. Through relatable imagery and candid expressions, Beabadoobee's song becomes a powerful reflection on the multifaceted nature of modern love and the intricate dance between attraction and vulnerability.

Haux's 'Cologne' is inspired by the city of Cologne

Haux's "Cologne" is inspired by the German city of the same name. The song was written after Haux, whose real name is Woodson Black, visited the city and was struck by its magic. He described the feeling that he "might've had another life" in Cologne if he had not lived the life he has. When he returned home, he reflected on this feeling and imagined a life in the city, which inspired the song's lyrics and melody.

The song begins with a nine-second intensity build, leading to piano music that resembles church bells. Haux showcases a distinctive vocal style in "Cologne", with his pairing of syllables that blurs word articulations, making the song stand out from others in the same genre. The first verse begins with a quick "You traced", followed by a pause before the singer continues his train of thought.

"Cologne" is also textured with sometimes thunderous percussion and gentle guitar, alongside simple yet sophisticated backing vocals. The inspiration for the song's title and its themes can be directly attributed to Haux's visit to the city of Cologne and his reflections on what could have been had he lived there.

Ben Folds' 'Cologne' is about two lovers separating

Ben Folds' "Cologne" is a song about two lovers separating. The song is set in the Western German city of Cologne, where the narrator, who is American, has come to visit his girlfriend. The song describes the physical and emotional distance between the two lovers, as they part ways, with the narrator walking his girlfriend to the train and then returning to his hotel room alone. The song also mentions the mutual recognition that detachment is necessary, with the chorus "Four, three, two, one, I'm letting you go. I will let go, if you will let go". This countdown is similar to the self-help mantras that people use when trying to move on from a relationship.

The song also references the infamous NASA employee Lisa Nowak, who drove for 14 hours with a diaper on, so determined was she to remove her love rival that she wouldn't even stop for potty breaks. This story serves as a metaphor for the narrator's own heartbreak and the lengths people will go to in order to try and move on.

The emotional and physical distance between the two lovers is further emphasised in the line "when I go to sleep, you'll be waking up", highlighting the drastically divergent lives they are about to enter. The song also mentions the transatlantic heartbreak that the narrator will soon suffer, as he returns to America while his girlfriend stays in Europe.

Overall, "Cologne" is a powerful and heartbreaking song that explores the themes of separation, mutual detachment, and the challenges of long-distance relationships.

Folds' song also references the story of astronaut Lisa Nowak

Beabadoobee's song "Cologne" is pretty straightforward on its sexual themes. In an interview with i-D, Bea explained that she "just wanted to write a song about sex and finding [herself] attractive."

Ben Folds' song "Cologne" from his 2008 album "Way to Normal" also has a connection to sexuality, albeit in a more oblique way. The song references the story of astronaut Lisa Nowak, whose tale has been described as "fascinating."

Nowak was an American aeronautical engineer, former NASA astronaut, and retired United States Navy officer. In 1996, she was selected by NASA to be an astronaut and qualified as a mission specialist in robotics. She flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-121 mission in July 2006 and was responsible for operating the robotic arms of the shuttle and the International Space Station.

Nowak's story took a turn in 2007 when she was involved in a highly publicized incident. She was arrested in Orlando, Florida, and charged with the attempted kidnapping of U.S. Air Force Captain Colleen Shipman, who was romantically involved with astronaut William Oefelein. Nowak had been in a relationship with Oefelein, which ended sometime around late 2006 when he started seeing Shipman.

Nowak's actions leading up to her arrest included driving 900 miles from Houston to Orlando, wearing a disguise, and carrying various items such as latex gloves, a black wig, a BB pistol, pepper spray, and a drilling hammer. Early police reports also stated that she wore Maximum Absorbency Garments during the trip, although she later denied this. Upon confronting Shipman at the airport, Nowak slapped the window, tried to open the car door, asked for a ride, and then started crying. When Shipman rolled down the window slightly, Nowak sprayed pepper spray into the car.

The incident received widespread publicity and raised concerns about NASA's astronaut selection and screening processes. Nowak's assignment with NASA was terminated, and she was also discharged from the Navy with a reduction in rank. She later pleaded guilty to felony burglary and misdemeanor battery charges.

Folds' song "Cologne" references Nowak's tabloid coverage, specifically mentioning how she "put on a pair of diapers to kill her boyfriend." While the song does not provide a direct narrative of Nowak's story, it alludes to the sensationalized aspects that captured public attention.

Beabadoobee's 'Cologne' features a post-chorus and instrumental breaks

Beabadoobee's "Cologne" is a song that explores the intricate dynamics of modern relationships, delving into themes of desire, vulnerability, and the complexities of attraction. The song is characterised by its candid portrayal of a romantic encounter, expressing a yearning for physical intimacy while grappling with self-image and emotional hurt.

The song's structure features a post-chorus and instrumental breaks, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth. In the post-chorus, the lyrics "You're in my head (Fuck)" emphasise the protagonist's internal conflict, reflecting their struggle between desire and self-doubt. This post-chorus, followed by an instrumental break, provides a momentary pause in the song, allowing the listener to reflect on the emotional turmoil portrayed in the lyrics.

The instrumental breaks in "Cologne" serve as a powerful device to convey the underlying emotions of the protagonist. These breaks, devoid of vocals, allow the instruments to take centre stage, creating a soundscape that captures the complex tones of the song. The guitar and drumbeats, described as "fully-fleshed-out," add to the chaotic yet stable atmosphere of the track, mirroring the protagonist's conflicting emotions.

The post-chorus and instrumental breaks in "Cologne" play a crucial role in the song's narrative arc. They provide a respite from the intense lyrics, allowing the listener to absorb the depth of the protagonist's emotions. These breaks also contribute to the song's overall musical experience, creating a suspenseful and thrilling journey, akin to an action movie, as described by the music video directors, The Rest.

Through the effective use of the post-chorus and instrumental breaks, "Cologne" showcases Beabadoobee's ability to convey intricate emotions within the context of modern relationships. The song's structure complements its lyrical content, providing a dynamic and engaging listening experience that captures the tumultuous interplay between desire and self-doubt.

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