In 2012, Charli XCX rose to prominence with the Icona Pop collaboration "I Love It", which became an international success, reaching top 10 in North America and Europe. Her debut studio album, True Romance (2013), was released that year to critical acclaim, despite not meeting commercial expectations. In 2014, she contributed the chorus and hook to "Fancy" by rapper Iggy Azalea, which finished the year as one of the best-selling singles worldwide and was nominated for two Grammy Awards. The same year, Charli XCX released "Boom Clap", which became her first solo top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100. Her second studio album, the pop/rock-influenced Sucker, was released at the end of the year, and spawned the successful singles "Break the Rules" and "Doing It".
In 2015, Charli XCX began working with producers and artists in A. G. Cook's British collective PC Music, as well as producer Sophie. While working on her third album, she released the Vroom Vroom EP in 2016 and the mixtapes Number 1 Angel and Pop 2 in 2017, as well as a series of singles including the BPI-certified "After the Afterparty", "Boys", and "1999". In 2019, Charli XCX released her third studio album, Charli, which was followed by her fourth studio album, How I'm Feeling Now, which she recorded and released during the UK's first national lockdown in 2020. Charli's latest addition to her discography is CRASH, released on 18 March 2022, including the singles Good Ones and New Shapes.
In addition to her solo work, Charli XCX has co-written songs for other artists including Camila Cabello, Rita Ora, Selena Gomez, and many more.
Break The Rules
Charli XCX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blow my mind
But I feel alright
And never stop, it's how we ride
Comin' up until we die
You catch my eye
I'm so alive
Never stop, it's how we ride
Comin' up until we die
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
Boys and girls across the world
Putting on our dancing shoes
Going to the discotheque
Getting high and getting wrecked
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
Boys and girls across the world
Putting on our dancing shoes
Going to the discotheque
Getting high and getting wrecked
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
I'm such a star
Queen boulevard
Blaze through the dark
And never stop, it's how we ride
Comin' up until we die
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
Boys and girls across the world
Putting on our dancing shoes
Going to the discotheque
Getting high and getting wrecked
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
Get my guitar
Sunglasses on
So light it up
And never stop, it's how we ride
Comin' up until we die
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
Boys and girls across the world
Putting on our dancing shoes
Going to the discotheque
Getting high and getting wrecked
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
Na-na na na
Na na na-na na na
Na-na na na
Na na na-na na na
Na-na na na
Na na na-na na na
Na-na na na
Na na na-na na na, da da da
Charli XCX's "Break the Rules" is an upbeat and rebellious pop song that encourages listeners to celebrate individuality and reject societal norms. The lyrics use electric lights as a metaphor for the exciting and mind-blowing experiences of youth, encouraging listeners to enjoy life to the fullest and never stop seizing opportunities. The chorus sums up the song's rebellious message, with Charli singing, "I don't wanna go to school, I just wanna break the rules." She describes a desire to escape conformity and embrace freedom, partying with friends and enjoying the nightlife instead of following the typical daily routine.
Throughout the song, Charli employs an attitude of confidence and self-assurance, declaring herself a "star" and a "queen boulevard." She encourages listeners to join her in this celebration of youth and individuality, singing "Boys and girls across the world, putting on our dancing shoes, going to the discotheque, getting high and getting wrecked." Charli champions a carefree spirit of life, urging the listener to join her in rejecting rules and expectations.
In summary, "Break the Rules" is a fun and rebellious anthem that encourages listeners to reject societal expectations and enjoy the freedom of youth. Charli uses powerful imagery and an infectious beat to create a song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the urge to break free and defy expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Electric lights
Charli XCX is amazed by the electric lights and how mesmerizing they can be.
Blow my mind
Electric lights have a very positive impact on Charli XCX and leave her amazed.
But I feel alright
Despite being amazed by the lights she feels alright.
And never stop, it's how we ride
Charli XCX believes that we should always continue pushing forward in life.
Comin' up until we die
We should keep trying until the end of our lives.
You catch my eye
Charli XCX finds something attractive.
If you wanna fly
If you want to be happy and experience life, take a risk and fly.
I'm so alive
Charli XCX feels that life is worth living and she is happy to be alive.
I don't wanna go to school
Charli XCX doesn't want to go to school and follow the predefined rules.
I just wanna break the rules
Charli XCX wants to live her life her own way and not be bound by rules.
Boys and girls across the world
Charli XCX is addressing people from all over the world, irrespective of their gender.
Putting on our dancing shoes
Everyone is excited to dance and have fun.
Going to the discotheque
Charli XCX is going to the discotheque to have a good time and enjoy herself.
Getting high and getting wrecked
Charli XCX is enjoying herself and getting intoxicated in the process.
I'm such a star
Charli XCX is a confident person and feels like a star.
Queen boulevard
Charli XCX is the queen of the boulevard and feels confident about herself.
Blaze through the dark
Charli XCX feels adventurous and fearless, ready to conquer all the obstacles in the dark.
Get my guitar
Charli XCX is gearing up to play her guitar.
Sunglasses on
Charli XCX is wearing sunglasses to look cool and stylish.
So light it up
It is time to light up the guitar and play some music.
Na-na na na
Charli XCX is making a sound to show her excitement.
Na na na-na na na
Charli XCX is continuing with her exciting sounds.
da da da
Charli XCX continues to express her excitement.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Steve Mac, Daniel Omelio, Magnus Hoiberg, Mikkel Storleer, Tor Hermansen, Charlotte Emma Aitchison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sasha
Damn dude i didn't expect the beat dropped so hard
Stykkz
when I heard the original, this is what I was hoping the drop would be like
Rebilunation
Great remix, respect +
Jonass Curry
This is my favorite mix
Swirl AndTwirl
I love this.
Enmanuel UniRemington
i knew i ll find a better version than original
Erogenesis Art
Oh yeah, now we're talking. Trust Tiesto to give a song some balls!
Adéla Čermáková
very good song
marlon martinez
this song was made for all the teachers, and school staff
SONNYBENJ
You mean the students. Teachers would never break the rules otherwise they’d get the sack. Big Brain Moment.