I just wanna go back, back to 1999
Take a ride to my old neighborhood
I just wanna go back, sing “Hit me, baby, one more time”
Wanna go back, wanna go
Yeah, I just wanna go back
Nike Airs, All That
CD, old Mercedes
Drive ’round listening to Shady like, oh
Never under pressure, oh
Those days, it was so much better, oh
Feelin’ cool in my youth, relaxin’
No money, no problem
It was easy back then
Ooh, wish that we could go back in time, uh
Got memories
Ooh, maybe we could do it tonight
Tonight’s the night
I just wanna go back, back to 1999
Take a ride to my old neighborhood
I just wanna go back
Sing “Hit me, baby, one more time”
Wanna go back, wanna go
Yeah, I remember back home
Best friends, all night, no phone
No cares, I was dumb and so young
My room singing Michael Jackson (Hee, hee)
Never under pressure, oh
Those days it was so much better, oh
Feelin’ cool in my youth, I’m askin’
“Does anyone remember how we did it back then?”
Ooh, wish that we could go back in time, uh
Got memories
Ooh, maybe we could do it tonight
Tonight’s the night
Ah, yeah
I just wanna go back, back to 1999
Take a ride to my old neighborhood
I just wanna go back
Sing “Hit me, baby, one more time”
Wanna go back, wanna go
Back to where we came from
Playin’ air guitar on the roof
In the kitchen, up on the table
Like we had a beautiful view
I wanna go
I just wanna go back, back to 1999
Ah, yeah
Back to 1999
I know those days are over, but a boy can fantasize
‘Bout JTT on MTV and when I close my e-e-eyes
And I’m right there, right there
And he’s right there, right there
And we’re right there, right there
Ah, ah, ah, I wanna go back
I just wanna go back (Yeah), back to 1999
Take a ride to my old neighborhood
I just wanna go back
Sing “Hit me, baby, one more time”
Wanna go back, wanna go
Back to where we came from (Came from)
Playin’ air guitar on the roof (Ah)
In the kitchen, up on the table
Like we had a beautiful view
I wanna go
I just wanna go back, back to 1999 (Go back)
Go back, yeah, yeah
I just wanna go back, yeah, back to 1999
Take me back to ’99 (Yeah)
Nostalgia in the Spotlight
“1999” by Charli XCX is a vibrant homage to the late ’90s, capturing the yearning for simpler times filled with iconic pop culture, carefree friendships, and youthful innocence. The lyrics recall a world before digital distractions, referencing everything from Britney Spears to Michael Jackson, and even the comfort of old-school technology. Through energetic lines and vivid imagery, Charli XCX invites listeners to relive those golden moments, evoking feelings of nostalgia and playful escapism.
Escaping to a Simpler Era
The song’s repeated desire to “go back to 1999” reflects a universal wish to revisit cherished memories and a time when life felt less complicated. Charli XCX cleverly intertwines pop references and personal anecdotes, inviting fans to not only reminisce but also celebrate the music and culture that shaped a generation. It’s a joyful reminder of the power of music to transport us back to our happiest times.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Charlotte Aitchison (Charli XCX), Troye Sivan, Noonie Bao, Linus Wiklund, Alma Miettinen, Michael Pollack
Release Year: 2018
Label: Asylum Records, Atlantic Records UK