anthems – Charli XCX


Hello

I’m so bored (Woo)

Wake up late, eat some cereal

Try my best to be physical

Lose myself in a TV show

Staring out to oblivion

All my friends are invisible

Twenty-four seven, miss ’em all

I might cry like a waterfall

I feel afraid when I feel alone, yeah, uh

Have sex, me and my Romeo

He says I’m irresistible

I’m gassed up like I’m Texaco

I ride, ride, ride, ride, ride, ride, ride, ride, ride, ride it

Sometimes, I feel okay, some days, I’m so frightened

I want anthems

Late nights, my friends, New York

I sleep, wanna wake up brand new

I sleep, wanna wake up with you (You)

I want anthems

Late nights, my friends, New York

Finally, when it’s over

We might be even closer, uh, uh

Uh, uh, uh, uh

These days exhausting

Uh, uh, uh, uh

Go online shopping

I’m so uninspired, I just wanna breathe

Flowers and the trees, dirt all on my knees

Got some hands to hold on to

I get existential and so strange

I hear no sounds when I’m shouting

I just wanna go to parties

Up high, wanna feel the heat from all the bodies

I want anthems

Late nights, my friends, New York

I sleep, wanna wake up brand new

I sleep, wanna wake up with you (You)

I want anthems

Late nights, my friends, New York

Finally, when it’s over

We might be even closer, uh, uh

We might, we might, we might, we might, we might

We might, we might, we might, we might, we might

We might, we might, we might, we might, we might

Yeah

I want anthems

Late nights, my friends, New York

I sleep, wanna wake up brand new

I sleep, wanna wake up with you (You)

I want anthems

Late nights, my friends, New York

Finally, when it’s over

We might be even closer, uh, uh

Finding Meaning in Isolation

“anthems” by Charli XCX perfectly encapsulates the restless energy and longing felt during periods of isolation. Through vivid yet relatable imagery—late mornings, binge-watching TV, and missing friends—the song paints a portrait of a life stuck in limbo. Charli’s lyrics explore a deep yearning for connection, excitement, and the return of late nights with friends. The repeated desire for “anthems” and “New York” hints at nostalgia for freedom, adventure, and the collective euphoria that comes with shared experiences. Moments of vulnerability and existential thoughts are punctuated by flashes of hope, suggesting that even in solitude, there’s anticipation for better days and stronger bonds.

Song Credits

  • Artist: Charli XCX
  • Songwriters: Charlotte Aitchison, A.G. Cook
  • Release Year: 2020
  • Label: Atlantic Records

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