Released: 2024
Charli XCX’s ‘Apple’ dives deep into self-identity and personal growth. The song is filled with metaphors about family, relationships, and inner struggles. Charli uses the apple as a symbol for herself and her lineage, questioning the traits she’s inherited and the influence of those who came before her.
The opening line, ‘I guess the apple don’t fall far from the tree’, sets the stage. It hints at how Charli sees herself in her parents or ancestors. She acknowledges that her personality and behaviors might be reflections of her family’s traits.
Charli then sings, ‘Now I only see me’, which signifies a shift. She’s been so focused on someone else that she now only recognizes her own reflection. It’s a moment of realization and perhaps frustration.
The recurring desire to drive to the airport represents a need for escape. The airport is a gateway to anywhere but here, a symbol of freedom. It’s a common feeling when you’re misunderstood or overwhelmed.
When she says, ‘The apple’s rotten right to the core’, Charli touches on deeper issues. She feels corrupted by past experiences and the baggage handed down through generations. Splitting the apple reveals unsettling truths, making her want to run away.
Finally, the repeated ‘Do you, do you’ questions echo the theme of seeking understanding and connection. Charli wonders if others feel the same way she does, adding a layer of shared human experience. The repetition emphasizes her yearning for empathy and validation.
