Song meaning of Flowers by The Neighbourhood

"Flowers" by The Neighbourhood delves into the theme of performing for someone else's approval and the pressure to conform to their expectations. The lyrics in the chorus, "Every day, you want me to make something I hate, all for your sake," highlight the internal conflict of sacrificing one's authenticity in order to please someone else. The protagonist feels like a fake and a doll, going through the motions of dressing up and putting on a show just to meet the other person's standards.

The verse describes the lengths the protagonist goes to in order to meet these expectations, from buying new clothes to putting on a performance, only to feel unappreciated when the other person "just froze." This reflects the frustration of feeling like one's efforts are not being recognized or reciprocated.

The post-chorus and bridge further emphasize the idea of feeling used and objectified, with lines like "Someone has to do it, so I guess I will" and "You want more influence, and I can be your thrill." The protagonist struggles with being seen as a means to an end, a source of entertainment or validation for someone else.

The repetitive nature of the outro, with the phrase "And it turns you on" being echoed multiple times, underscores the toxic dynamic of seeking validation through performing for someone else's approval. Overall, "Flowers" by The Neighbourhood captures the emotional complexity of feeling trapped in a cycle of seeking validation and approval from others at the expense of one's own authenticity and self-worth.