The lyrics of "So What" by The Cure describe a commercial offer for a cake icing and decorating set with details of what is included, ordering instructions, and a deadline. In between the commercial pitch, the singer reflects on feelings of displacement, heartache, forgiveness, and a longing for a past love.

Read more
image

Meaning of "So What" by The Cure


The juxtaposition of mundane commercialism with deeper emotional themes in "So What" by The Cure creates a sense of alienation and longing. The description of the cake decorating set and the urgency in ordering it seem to mirror society's focus on material possessions and consumerism, while the singer's repeated refrain of "So what" suggests a resignation to the emptiness and monotony of everyday life. The references to heartache, longing, and forgiveness hint at a deeper emotional struggle beneath the surface, where the singer seems to be grappling with the pain of lost love and the inability to move on. The plea for icing and decorating sets becomes a metaphor for trying to fill the void left by a past relationship, highlighting the ways in which we seek distractions and superficial comforts to mask inner turmoil. Overall, "So What" delves into the complexities of human emotions and the struggle to find meaning in a world dominated by superficiality and consumer culture.