Emotional – Charli XCX

All over, deep under my skin

You got me so emotional

We had somethin’ that never happened

If only we had lost control

Both got the feelin’

Hit like karate

Had boyfriends and girlfriends

We wanted to touch, but we could never make any moves

Both got the feelin’

Guilty desire

Your body, my body

We were close, but still so far away

When the lights go out, when the lights go out

Will you be there?

When I lay you down, when I lay you down

Down in my bed

Tellin’ right from wrong, tellin’ right from wrong

All this self control is so emotional

Yeah, it’s so emotional

All over, deep under my skin

You got me so emotional

We had somethin’ that never happened

If only we had lost control

Oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

The car in the driveway

The questions in her mouth

This secret is risky

So we have to keep all these fantasies to ourselves

Clothes on the carpet

Over at my house

I wish we could do it

We came so close, but still we push away

When the lights go out, when the lights go out

Will you be there?

When I lay you down, when I lay you down

Down in my bed

Tellin’ right from wrong, tellin’ right from wrong

All this self control is so emotional

Yeah, it’s so emotional

All over

Deep under my skin

You got me so emotional

We had somethin’ that never happened

If only we had lost control

Oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

When the lights go out, when the lights go out

Will you be there?

When I lay you down, when I lay you down

Down in my bed

Tellin’ right from wrong, tellin’ right from wrong

All this self control is so emotional

Yeah, it’s so emotional

All over

Deep under my skin

You got me so emotional

We had somethin’ that never happened

If only we had lost control

Oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

(You got me so emotional)

Oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, so emotional

Yeah, it’s so emotional

Longing and Unspoken Desire

“Emotional” by Charli XCX explores the intense feelings that arise from a complicated, unfulfilled relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of longing and restraint—two people are drawn to each other but held back by circumstances and the fear of losing control. The repetition of being “so emotional” highlights the inner turmoil and vulnerability that comes with wanting something that can’t quite happen. The vivid imagery of secret meetings and the tension between right and wrong pull listeners into the emotional struggle, making the song both relatable and captivating.

The Power of Self-Control

Throughout the song, Charli XCX delves into the theme of self-control versus desire. The push and pull between acting on feelings and holding back adds an intense emotional layer, capturing the bittersweet nature of missed opportunities. The chorus, with its questioning and yearning, underscores the weight of what could have been, resonating with anyone who has ever experienced a similar emotional crossroads.

Song Credits

  • Artist: Charli XCX
  • Release Year: 2017
  • Label: Asylum Records