Close myself off in new ways
Building walls in my sleep, I can’t turn back
I’ve been reelin’ for twelve days (Twelve)
When I start to see if it gets real bad
Hurt me, know you won’t hurt me
I’m about to detonate
Pull you close, and then, I’ll be gone
Sorry, never say sorry
All my silence resonates
Think you worked me out, but you’re wrong
Dirty, I can talk dirty
I can make you feel so sick
Switch your faith and leave you so low
Hurt me, know you’ll never hurt me
I’m about to detonate
Pull you close, and then, I’ll be gone
I don’t trust myself at all
Why should you trust me?
I don’t trust myself alone
Why should you love me?
I’m not tryna be rude
I’m just feelin’ confused
My emotions get blue
Had to push ’em all through
Know you hope that I’ll prove
Everything will stay cool
But I can’t promise that’s true
‘Cause my emotions so blue
Hurt me, know you won’t hurt me
I’m about to detonate
Pull you close, and then, I’ll be gone
Sorry, never say sorry
All my silence resonates
Think you worked me out, but you’re wrong
Dirty, I can talk dirty
I can make you feel so sick
Switch your faith and leave you so low
Hurt me, know you’ll never hurt me
I’m about to detonate
Pull you close, and then, I’ll be gone
I don’t trust myself at all
Why should you trust me?
I don’t trust myself alone
Why should you love me?
Do-do-do-do you love me?
So do you love me?
Do-do-do-do you love me?
Why should you love me?
Do-do-do-do you love me?
So do you love me?
Do-do-do-do you love me?
Why should you love me?
Do-do-do-do you love me?
So do you love me?
Do-do-do-do you love me?
Why should you love me?
Do-do-do-do you love me?
So do you love me?
Do-do-do-do you love me?
Why should you love me?
Emotional Walls and Self-Destruction
Charli XCX’s “detonate” delves into the complexities of vulnerability and self-doubt in relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of someone grappling with emotional turmoil, building barriers while yearning for connection. Charli expresses a sense of volatility, warning that intimacy might come with consequences—she’s “about to detonate,” suggesting a fear of emotional explosion or withdrawal. There’s a raw honesty in the recurring admission of not trusting herself, and the repeated questions about love highlight insecurity and the struggle to believe in one’s own worthiness. The song’s juxtaposition of closeness and distance underscores the push-pull dynamic often found in turbulent romances.
Song Credits
Artist: Charli XCX
Songwriters: Charlotte Aitchison (Charli XCX), George Daniel
Release Year: 2024
Label: Atlantic Records