“Softcore” by The Neighbourhood

The lyrics of The Neighbourhood’s “Softcore” logically read as if the addressee would be the vocalist’s significant other. That being said, it should be noted that the said individual can theoretically be another really close loved one in his life, such as maybe a child for instance. 

And that is because the main point being put across by Jesse Rutherford is regret that he is not able to spend more time at home with this person, whom he loves wholly. And in his mind his extended absence at times, even if emotionally disturbing, is necessary, apparently in the name of feeding the fam.

So even though the profession of the vocalist is not specified, this piece comes off as one of those songs where a singer is speaking to one of the less-than-ideal aspects of being a successful professional musician. Apparently this less-than-ideal part of his profession is life on the road – something which separates him from the person he loves the most. 

And in this case it can be deemed that the vocalist is truly suffering without the addressee, whose presence he metaphorically notes as having an edifying effect on his life. But again, he must venture out and do what he has to do as a man in this world.

That said, there really doesn’t seem to be any lyrical clue as to why this song is entitled “softcore”. Maybe said title is meant to allude to this being an emotionally vulnerable piece, one where Jesse is not afraid to shamelessly express his dependency on his lover.

When did The Neighbourhood release “Softcore”?

This track is from The Neighbourhood’s third LP, which is also titled “The Neighbourhood”. This self-titled project was launched by Columbia Records on 9 March 2018. 

“Softcore” was not released as a single from the project.

Credits

Writing credit for “Softcore” goes out to the following Neighbourhood members:

• Jesse
• Zach Abels
• Brandon Fried
• Mikey Margott
• Jeremy Freedman

The band composed it alongside Lars Stalfors, the producer of the track.

“Softcore” goes Viral in 2022

This track reached viral status on TikTok and Shazam circa early 2022. For example, in January of 2022, it was one of the most searched songs globally on Shazam.