The song came from a writing camp that Charli was invited to by US producer and songwriter Ian Kirkpatrick.
"I hadn't done a very classic camp for a while. Not because I'm anti them—I actually think I thrive quite well in them and enjoy them. I ended up writing this with [US songwriter and producer] Amy Allen. We're actually polar opposites in terms of our styles, which is why this song ended up being so beautiful—the aggressive parts of the song where I was basically yelling into a mic are very me, then you have the balance of Amy's gorgeous verses. As we were doing it, everyone kept talking about how it'd be a great song for Halsey. I was like, 'No, I love Halsey, but this is a great song for me and I'm fucking keeping it'. People talk about writing-camp songs being fake and constructed in a test tube or whatever. But it's very real. We write from our reality. That's why we're good songwriters".
— via Apple Music.
Move Me
Charli XCX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drive us off the road, I take a good thing and I break it
Think it's it my soul
The way I run from something real
No, I ain't changing
Wish I could surrender
Give you everything I got and let you know
Yeah, yeah
It's something 'bout the way you save my life
Something 'bout the way you
Hold my body tight even on my lowest nights
Locked down my by side even when I'm borderline
Yeah, I don't even know why I push you away
It's something 'bout the way you
Call it what you want, I got a habit for destruction
Take all of your trust and then betray it like it's nothing
Yeah, I think it's in my soul
The way I run from something real
And leave you wondering (wondering)
Why I can't surrender
Give you everything I got and let you know
It's something 'bout the way you move me
Yeah, yeah
It's something 'bout the way you save my life
Something 'bout the way you
Hold my body tight even on my lowest night
Locked down my by side even when I'm borderline
Yeah, I don't even know why I push you away
It's something 'bout the way you
Hold my body tight even on my lowest night
Locked down by my side even when I'm borderline
Yeah, I don't even know why I push you away (push you away)
It's something 'bout the way you, the way you
Way you move me
Way you move me
Yeah, yeah
Move me
The song "Move Me" by Charli XCX is about the confusion and struggle of a self-sabotaging person who is unable to let go of their fear of commitment and intimacy. The opening lines reflect this inner turmoil as Charli XCX sings "I already know I'm letting go of something sacred, drive us off the road, I take a good thing and I break it". She is aware that she is destroying something valuable and wholesome but is unable to resist the urge to "break it" because of her inner insecurities.
The chorus of the song is about the transformative power of love and how it has the ability to change us in profound ways. Charli XCX sings about how there's "something 'bout the way" her lover moves her and how they save her life. Her lover has become a source of stability and support in her life, even on the lowest nights. However, even though she realizes the positive impact of her lover on her life, she still struggles with her fear of intimacy and commitment, which makes her push her lover away.
Overall, "Move Me" is a poignant portrayal of the inner turmoil and struggle of a person who is afraid of intimacy and commitment despite the transformative power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
I already know I'm letting go of something sacred
Despite knowing the value of what I have, I am willingly giving it up.
Drive us off the road, I take a good thing and I break it
I knowingly destroy a relationship that was once going well with my recklessness.
Think it's it my soul
I believe that my self-destructive tendencies are deeply ingrained in me.
The way I run from something real
I have a habit of avoiding genuine emotions and real connections.
No, I ain't changing
I am unapologetic about my unwillingness to change.
Wish I could surrender
I desire to let go of my self-destructive tendencies and open up to others.
Give you everything I got and let you know
I want to be vulnerable and show my partner all that I am.
It's something 'bout the way you move me
There is a quality in my partner that draws me in and affects me deeply.
It's something 'bout the way you save my life
My partner has been a source of support and stability for me when I needed it most.
Hold my body tight even on my lowest nights
My partner is physically and emotionally present for me even when I feel my worst.
Locked down my by side even when I'm borderline
My partner is committed to sticking by me even when I push them away.
Yeah, I don't even know why I push you away
Despite my partner's unwavering support, I continue to push them away and sabotage our relationship.
Call it what you want, I got a habit for destruction
I have a pattern of destroying the good things in my life, regardless of their value.
Take all of your trust and then betray it like it's nothing
I betray the trust of those closest to me without remorse.
And leave you wondering (wondering)
My actions cause confusion for those around me.
It's something 'bout the way you move me
There is a quality in my partner that draws me in and affects me deeply.
Hold my body tight even on my lowest night
My partner is physically and emotionally present for me even when I feel my worst.
Locked down by my side even when I'm borderline
My partner is committed to sticking by me even when I push them away.
Yeah, I don't even know why I push you away
Despite my partner's unwavering support, I continue to push them away and sabotage our relationship.
It's something 'bout the way you
My partner has a quality that I am drawn to but cannot fully understand.
Way you move me
My partner affects me deeply in a way that I cannot fully explain.
Move me
My partner has a profound impact on me and my emotions.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Amy Rose Allen, Charlotte Emma Aitchison, Ian Eric Kirkpatrick, Jason Gregory Evigan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rxrt_
one of THE best songs on this album, so proud of you Charli
@lewiswoodhall
true!
@visualhatefvck
This and LIGHTNING 🙏🏻
@wilmerjoseclociel1449
Omg, es verdad!!!!
@shadowxcx6503
Me too. Love this album!
@MrDobbyBlobby
@visualhatefuck this, yuck and lightning
@cybramir
Instantly one of the best tracks on the album… there’s something really special about her vocals here. The instrumental is also incredible.
@OkaySoShit
Very boring song, you don't have taste
@FallenGrey
Sounds like its inspired by Lana del Rey but she put her own spin on it
@mikeitebete9140
instrumental by ian kirkpartrick.