How Can I
Charli XCX Lyrics
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So please don't swallow down the key, let me out now
Yeah, I'm in trouble, can't stop what's coming
Can't blame this one on bad luck
How can I, how can I
How can I fix what I fucked up?
How can I fix what I fucked up?How can I, how can I
How can I fix what I fucked up?
Iced out, got hot, bit the dust hardcore
But I'm at the same place I was before
Yeah, I'm in trouble, can't stop what's coming
Can't blame this one on bad love
How can I, how can I
How can I fix what I fucked up?
How can I fix what I fucked up?
How can I, how can I
How can I fix what I fucked up?
It was boys and girls and girls and boys
The Southern Comfort from your comforter got destroyed
It was shady eyes with the violent noise
We on the graveyard digging where the love is void
We had a meltdown underground
Just a cemetery chick, I'm sober now
But I still taste your bones when I'm all alone
You're the best I ever had, but you've got to go
And now I'm on my own
I said, "Please don't go"
Please don't go
How can I fix what I fucked up?
How can I fix what I fucked up?
How can I, how can I
How can I fix what I fucked up?
I miss your touch and my skin on yours
I want a taste of what I adore
How can I, how can I
How can I fix what I fucked up?
How can I fix what I fucked up?
How can I fix what I fucked up?
How can I, how can I
How can I fix what I fucked up?
In this song, Charli XCX sings about being trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behavior, unable to escape or fix the mistakes she's made. She metaphorically describes her hands as "frozen into chains behind [her] back," an image of being imprisoned and unable to free herself. She pleads with whoever is holding the key to her shackles not to "swallow down the key" and to release her.
Charli is aware that her troubles are not simply a result of bad luck, as she sings, "Can't blame this one on bad luck." She seems to be talking about a relationship, perhaps a toxic one, that she can't seem to leave behind. She wants to fix what she's messed up but doesn't know how to go about it.
The middle verse shifts to a scene of chaos, with "shady eyes with the violent noise" and "meltdown underground." Charli references substances, like Southern Comfort, and a feeling of emptiness, describing the love as "void." Despite all of this, she still desires the person who caused her pain, saying "I miss your touch and my skin on yours."
Overall, the song is a raw and personal account of being stuck in a cycle of destructive behavior, wanting to escape it, yet still clinging onto the familiarity of the past.
Line by Line Meaning
My hands are frozen into chains behind my back
I feel trapped and unable to escape the consequences of my actions.
So please don't swallow down the key, let me out now
I am asking for forgiveness and the opportunity to make things right.
Yeah, I'm in trouble, can't stop what's coming
I know that I am going to face consequences for my mistakes.
Can't blame this one on bad luck
I know that I am responsible for what happened and I cannot make excuses.
It was boys and girls and girls and boys
I am reflecting on the past and the complex relationships involved.
The Southern Comfort from your comforter got destroyed
I associate this Southern Comfort with the destruction of my relationship.
It was shady eyes with the violent noise
I am describing a chaotic and negative environment.
We on the graveyard digging where the love is void
I feel like the love in the relationship has died and we are left with nothing but emptiness.
We had a meltdown underground
I am describing a situation where things got out of control and we hit rock bottom.
Just a cemetery chick, I'm sober now
I am in a better place now and I am no longer making the same mistakes.
But I still taste your bones when I'm all alone
I am haunted by the memories of the person I used to be with.
You're the best I ever had, but you've got to go
Even though I loved them, I know that it is for the best that we are no longer together.
And now I'm on my own
I am learning to rely on myself rather than being dependent on someone else.
I said, "Please don't go"
Even though I knew it was over, I still wanted them to stay.
I miss your touch and my skin on yours
I am still struggling to let go of the past and the physical aspect of the relationship.
I want a taste of what I adore
I am struggling to move on and am tempted to revisit the past.
How can I fix what I fucked up?
I am reflecting on my actions and taking responsibility for them.
How can I, how can I
I am struggling to find a solution to my problems.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ariel Rechtshaid, Justin Raisen, Charlotte Emma Aitchison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind