What’s been goin’ on this week
Well, people started dealin’ speed
And kids my age start smokin’ weed
Just so that they can get some sleep
‘Cause parents, they get really mad
When their children start to turn all bad
And start hanging out with the wrong group of lads
Who smoke dodgy spliffs and pick fights with the chavs
But they forget
You can’t rewind, no
You can’t turn back time
‘Cause there’s always gonna be a better grassy side
But no one’s gonna get there
So, just let them live their lives
Take a look inside the bag
It’s enough to make you want to gag
‘Cause you find out your daughter’s a filthy slag
Some naked pictures and a box of soggy fags
‘Cause parents, they get really mean
And they start to get all threatening
Saying they’ll pack you out onto the street
If you come in late, smelling of green
But they forget
You can’t rewind, no
You can’t turn back time
‘Cause there’s always gonna be a better grassy side
But no one’s gonna get there
So, just let them live their lives
What’s been goin’ on today
Well, Susie didn’t have her say
So she got her things and ran away
Never showed her face again
And Johnny failed every exam
Screwed up his parents’ whole life plan
They got no job, can’t be no man
He’s a lazy ass, not a helpin’ hand
‘Cause parents, they get really mad
When their children start to turn all bad
And start hanging out with the wrong group of lads
Who smoke dodgy spliffs and pick fights with the chavs
‘Cause parents, they get really mean
And they start to get all threatening
Saying they’ll pack you out onto the street
If you come in late, smelling of green
But they forget
You can’t rewind, no
You can’t turn back time
‘Cause there’s always gonna be a better grassy side
But no one’s gonna get there
So, just let them live their lives
Go on, let them live it
They’re gonna just live their lives
Let her take another drag ’cause
They’re gonna just live their lives
Rebellion and Realities: A Look Inside “Live Life”
“Live Life” by Charli XCX captures the turbulence of teenage years with raw honesty and a touch of dark humor. The lyrics lay bare the generational rift between parents and their children, highlighting how youthful rebellion and experimentation are often met with anger, misunderstanding, and threats. Charli’s storytelling touches on common struggles—substance use, academic failures, and social pressures—while offering a sardonic take on parental expectations and the realities teens face.
Letting Go and Accepting Change
The recurring message in the chorus, “you can’t rewind, no, you can’t turn back time,” speaks to the inevitability of growing up and making mistakes. Charli XCX suggests that, rather than trying to control or rewind their children’s lives, parents should let them learn and live. The song’s candid perspective resonates as both a cautionary tale and a plea for empathy, urging acceptance of imperfection and the unpredictable nature of youth.
Song Credits
Artist: Charli XCX
Songwriters: Charlotte Aitchison
Release Year: 2008