"Reflections" is the tenth track on The Neighbourhood's self-titled third studio album, "Hard to Imagine the Neighbourhood Ever Changing," released in 2021. The song showcases Jesse Rutherford's impressive vocal range and is influenced by R&B, featuring a drum beat reminiscent of their 2013 hit "Sweater Weather."
The song delves into themes of longing, emotional connection, and introspection, capturing a mood of melancholy mixed with hope as the narrator grapples with feelings of loss and the desire for reconnection.
"Reflections" opens with a sense of yearning, as the narrator questions the whereabouts of a significant other, asking, "Where have you been? Do you know when you're comin' back?" This line sets the tone for the song, establishing a feeling of absence and longing. The narrator reflects on their emotional state since the other person's departure, admitting, "Since you've been gone, I've got along, but I've been sad." This juxtaposition of coping and sadness highlights the complexity of moving on while still feeling deeply connected to someone who is no longer present.
As the song progresses, the narrator expresses a profound emotional bond, stating, "I see myself in you, I see my reflection in your eyes." This imagery suggests that the relationship was not only significant but also transformative, as the narrator sees their own identity mirrored in the other person. This connection emphasizes the depth of their relationship, indicating that it was built on mutual understanding and shared experiences.
The repeated lines about being "too close to the stars" evoke a sense of fleeting happiness, suggesting that the highs of the relationship were intense but perhaps unsustainable. The narrator grapples with the idea that sometimes it might be better to lose someone than to use them, indicating a desire for authenticity in love rather than superficial connections. This line encapsulates the struggle between wanting to hold on and recognizing the need to let go for the sake of both individuals' well-being.
The chorus serves as a poignant reminder of the pain of separation, as the narrator acknowledges their closeness to the other person while simultaneously feeling the weight of their absence. The overall mood of the song is a blend of love, heartbreak, and nostalgia, with an underlying message of hope and healing. The narrator's vulnerability shines through as they navigate their feelings, ultimately suggesting that while the relationship may have ended, the emotional impact remains significant.