The song “Sympathy Is A Knife” by Charli XCX explores her feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. The lyrics suggest that Charli feels inferior to another woman, possibly a more successful female artist, and this makes her feel like she could never be as good as this person even if she tried.
Charli expresses feeling “volatile” and having suicidal thoughts, as the “sympathy” and attention from others only serves to highlight her own perceived shortcomings. She feels that this “sympathy is just a knife” that cuts into her self-esteem.
The song is not a direct “diss track” targeting another artist, but rather a vulnerable look at Charli’s own inner turmoil and struggles with comparison and self-acceptance. She seems to recognize that the feelings she is having are irrational, but she is unable to control them.
Sympathy Is A Knife Charlie XCX Lyrics
I don’t wanna share the space
I don’t wanna force a smile
This one girl taps my insecurities
Don’t know if it’s real or if I’m spiraling
One voice tells me that they laugh
George says I’m just paranoid
Says he just don’t see it, he’s so naive
I’m embarassed to have it, but need the sympathy
‘Cause I couldn’t even be her if I tried
I’m opposite, I’m on the other side
I feel all these feelings I can’t control
Oh no, don’t know why
All this sympathy is just a knife
Why I can’t even grit my teeth and lie?
I feel all these feelings I can’t control
Oh no, don’t know
Why I wanna buy a gun?
Why I wanna shoot myself?
Volatile at war with my dialogue
I’d say that there was a God if they could stop this
Wild voice tearing me apart
I’m so apprehensive now
Don’t wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend’s show
Fingers crossed behind my back
I hope they break up quick
‘Cause I couldn’t even be her if I tried
I’m opposite, I’m on the other side
I feel all these feelings I can’t control
Oh no, don’t know why
All this sympathy is just a knife
Why I can’t even grit my teeth and lie?
I feel all these feelings I can’t control (Oh no)
All this sympathy is just a knife
All this sympathy is just a knife
All this sympathy is just a knife
Yeah, all this sympathy is just a knife
Oh no, oh no
Why is all this sympathy a fucking knife?
Yeah, all this sympathy is just a knife
Couldn’t even be her if I tried
Oh no, oh no
