I took a look into your ocean heart
And ever since, I stumble through the dark
I’m like a moth attracted to a flame
‘Cause since we’ve met, you know, I’ll never be the same
(Oohh-ohh)
Oh, I’m like a tiger but in black and blue
‘Cause all my bruises wanna [?] for you
I wonder if you’ll ever know my name
I wonder if we’ll ever ever meet again
What if I see you alone on the pavement?
Will my heart freeze? Will the sun melt down my bones?
‘Cause when I think of you my fingers are quicksand
I want to hold you close
I’ll never know
1 2 3, oh!
I’m searching deserts and the morning skies
Just to stare into your diamond eyes
I’ll build a rocket and I’ll fly to space
Just so that I can touch your picture perfect face
Oh, your picture perfect face, oh
I wonder if you’ll do the same for me
Or would you stay there and just let me be?
And all my blood will drip the color of gold
‘Cause that’s the love that runs for you within my soul
But what if I see you alone on the pavement?
Will my heart freeze? Will the sun melt down my bones?
‘Cause when I think of you my fingers are quicksand
I want to hold you close
I’ll never know
But what if I see you alone on the pavement?
Will my heart freeze? Will the sun melt down my bones?
‘Cause when I think of you my fingers are quicksand
I want to hold you close
I’ll never know
When if I see you alone on the pavement?
Will my heart freeze? Will the sun melt down my bones?
And when I think of you my fingers are quicksand
I want to hold you close
I’ll never know
1 2 3, oh!
Interpreting the Longing in “I’ll Never Know”
Charli XCX’s “I’ll Never Know” beautifully captures the ache and uncertainty of longing for someone just out of reach. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that feels cosmic—searching deserts, flying to space—yet remains frustratingly unattainable. Metaphors like “moth attracted to a flame” and “fingers are quicksand” evoke the irresistible pull and emotional vulnerability that define the song’s heart. The recurring question about encountering the object of affection—”Will my heart freeze?”—reflects the anxiety and hope that come with unresolved feelings. At its core, “I’ll Never Know” is a poignant reflection on what it means to yearn deeply and wonder if that love will ever be returned.
Song Credits
- Artist: Charli XCX
- Release Year: 2024