"Break the Rules" was released in August 18, 2014, with the intention of being the second single from Charli XCX's third studio album and second major-label album, Sucker, with a planned official single release to contemporary hit radio by Atlantic Records on October 7, 2014. Sucker was originally scheduled for release on October 21, 2014, but on September 22, 2014, XCX announced that the release date for the album had been postponed to December 15, 2014.
Music video
The music video for the song was released on YouTube on 25 August 2014. The video includes references to films such as Carrie, The Craft, and Jawbreaker and to the animated sitcom The Simpsons. It features a cameo from Rose McGowan, the star of Jawbreaker.
Released 19 August 2014
Format Digital download
Recorded 2014
Genre Electro punk synthpop
Length 3:24
Label Atlantic/Asylum/Neon Gold
Writer(s) Charlotte Aitchison, Robopop, Steve Mac, Tor Erik Hermansen
Producer(s) Steve Mac, Cashmere Cat, Stargate
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
@officialcharlixcx
Check out Break The Rules.
You can pre-order it here: http://smarturl.it/sucker
@singboy6815
omg i love you charlie xcx _______ this song is amazing you're cool
@hayavlogs698
Hi charli
@jasminmlanzi3193
cool
@riddhigosai4737
heyyyyy charli amazing song
@ipokemon8741
lol
@avocadoqueenytb
Listening to her is like the smell of childhood and summer for me
It was my favorite song 7 years ago, wanted to be like her so bad haha
I was so glad to find this song on Spotify :)
@vee5986
Same here 😢 I miss the good ol days
@kasssworld4605
The good days indeed
@Warmonger6785
Yessir