On April 2, 2024, Charli announced the song and confirmed that it would appear on BRAT via a voice memo sent to a small number of fans.
Rewind
Charli XCX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes (sometimes, sometimes)
I just wanna rewind
I'd go back in time to when I wasn't insecure
To when I didn't overanalyze my face shape
Nowadays, I only eat at the good restaurants
But honestly, I'm always thinking 'bout my weightI used to never feel embarrassed (feel embarrassed)
When I call up the paparazzi
Everyone else does it constantly
I hate these doubts that keep running through my mind
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Sometimes (sometimes, sometimes)
I just wanna rewind
Used to burn CDs full of songs I didn't know
Used to sit in my bedroom putting polish on my toes
Recently, I've been thinking 'bout a way simpler time
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
I used to never think about Billboard
But now I've started thinking again
Wondering 'bout whether I think I deserve commercial success
It's running through my mind
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Sometimes (sometimes, sometimes)
I just wanna rewind
Sometimes, times
Mmm
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Wanna turn back time to a different time
Ooh, sometimes
I just wanna rewind, I just wanna rewind
I just wanna rewind
Press rewind, yeah
Yeah, press rewind, yeah
Bring the beat back
Press rewind
Yeah, yeah, press rewind
In the song "Rewind" by Charli XCX, the lyrics explore themes of nostalgia, self-reflection, and a longing to return to a simpler time. The repeated desire to "rewind" suggests a yearning to go back in time and undo certain aspects of the present. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for a time when the singer felt more comfortable in their own skin and less burdened by insecurities and self-doubt. The mention of feeling insecure and constantly analyzing one's appearance indicates a struggle with self-image and societal pressures.
The lyrics also reflect on the singer's past habits and interests, such as burning CDs and painting their toes, which are contrasted with their current preoccupation with success and image. There is a sentiment of longing for a more carefree and uncomplicated time when life was simpler and the singer was not consumed by thoughts of success and external validation. The mention of considering whether they deserve commercial success highlights the internal conflicts and doubts that the singer grapples with in their pursuit of fame and validation.
The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of "Sometimes, I just wanna rewind," reinforces the yearning to go back in time and escape the pressures of the present. The desire to "press rewind" and "bring the beat back" further emphasizes the nostalgia and longing for a past that is perceived as more fulfilling and authentic. The song captures a sense of wistfulness and a desire to escape the complexities and uncertainties of the present by revisiting a time when life felt simpler and more carefree.
Overall, "Rewind" by Charli XCX delves into the themes of self-reflection, nostalgia, and the desire to escape the pressures of the present by revisiting a past that is perceived as more innocent and enjoyable. The lyrics capture the internal struggles and conflicts of the singer as they grapple with insecurities, self-doubt, and societal expectations, while longing for a time when life felt less burdened by external pressures and more focused on simpler pleasures.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
There are moments when I long to revert to previous times in my life.
Sometimes (sometimes, sometimes)
This feeling occurs occasionally, reflecting a sense of yearning.
I just wanna rewind
I have a deep desire to return to those earlier moments.
I'd go back in time to when I wasn't insecure
I wish to revisit a period of my life when I felt confident and self-assured.
To when I didn't overanalyze my face shape
I long for the days when I didn't scrutinize my appearance or obsess over my flaws.
Nowadays, I only eat at the good restaurants
Currently, I find myself dining at upscale places, perhaps seeking validation through status.
But honestly, I'm always thinking 'bout my weight
Despite these seemingly luxurious choices, I am preoccupied with my body image and weight.
I used to never feel embarrassed (feel embarrassed)
In the past, I was free from self-consciousness and shame.
When I call up the paparazzi
I used to feel no shame when seeking out media attention.
Everyone else does it constantly
I observed that many others regularly seek the spotlight, influencing my feelings.
I hate these doubts that keep running through my mind
I despise the persistent insecurities and uncertainties that plague my thoughts.
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
Occasionally, I ponder how wonderful it would be to relive the past.
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Again, I express my desire to return to earlier times in my life.
Sometimes (sometimes, sometimes)
This feeling of wanting to go back is recurring.
I just wanna rewind
My longing to revisit the past remains strong.
Used to burn CDs full of songs I didn't know
In my earlier days, I would compile music that was unfamiliar, exploring new sounds.
Used to sit in my bedroom putting polish on my toes
I recall simpler activities like painting my toenails, reflecting carefree times.
Recently, I've been thinking 'bout a way simpler time
Lately, I've been reflecting on a less complicated phase of life.
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
I often fantasize about reverting to those uncomplicated moments.
I used to never think about Billboard
Previously, I had no concerns regarding my ranking or status in the music industry.
But now I've started thinking again
Recently, I've begun to reconsider my place and success in the music world.
Wondering 'bout whether I think I deserve commercial success
I question my worthiness of achieving mainstream recognition and fame.
It's running through my mind
These thoughts are continuously occupying my mental space.
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
I often find myself wishing I could go back in time to those easier days.
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
I reiterate my desire to return to the past once more.
Sometimes (sometimes, sometimes)
This longing arises now and then, emphasizing its significance.
I just wanna rewind
The yearning to relive those moments remains steadfast.
Sometimes, times
I acknowledge the complexity of time and memories.
Mmm
A moment of contemplation, reflecting on my thoughts.
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
I express once more my wish to go back to past experiences.
Wanna turn back time to a different time
I desire to reverse the clock to a more favorable and simpler period.
Ooh, sometimes
Again, I emphasize the occasional nature of this longing.
I just wanna rewind, I just wanna rewind
My desire to return to those times is intense and repetitive.
I just wanna rewind
The desire remains clear and persistent.
Press rewind, yeah
I wish I could simply hit a button to go back in time.
Yeah, press rewind, yeah
Reiterating the desire to turn back time again.
Bring the beat back
Longing for the rhythm and joy of previous experiences.
Press rewind
A final plea to return to those cherished moments.
Yeah, yeah, press rewind
Affirming the desire to relive the past once more.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charlotte Emma Aitchison, Alexander Guy Cook, Henry Russell Walter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thigooss
Rewind
Charli XCX
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind (sometimes, sometimes)
I'd go back in time to when I wasn't insecure
To when I didn't overanalyse my face shape
Nowadays, I only eat at the good restaurants
But, honestly, I'm always thinking 'bout my weight
I used to never feel embarrassed (feel embarrassed)
When I call out the paparazzi
Everyone else does it constantly
I hate these doubts that keep running through my mind
Sometimes I really think it would be cool to rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind (sometimes, sometimes)
Used to burn CDs full of songs I didn't know
Used to sit in my bedroom putting polish on my toes
Recently, I've been thinking 'bout a waist and bulletins
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
I used to never think about billboard
But, now, I started thinking again
Wondering 'bout whether I think I deserve commercial success
It's running through my mind
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind (sometimes, sometimes)
Sometimes
Ooh, mm
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Wanna turn back time, to a different time
Sometimes
I just wanna rewind, I just wanna rewind
I just wanna rewind
Let's rewind, yeah
Yeah, press rewind, yeah
Bring the beat back
Press rewind
Yeah, press rewind
@kirkykillz
i love the part
"i used to never feel embarrassed
feel embarrassed when i call up the paparazzi
BEEP BEEP
Everyone else does it constantly
*BOOOOOP*"
like the little phone noises changed my molecules
@Bluecoffeelyrics
horus]
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind (Sometimes, sometimes)
[Verse 1]
I'd go back in time to when I wasn't insecure
To when I didn't overanalyse my face shape
Nowadays, I only eat at the good restaurants
But, honestly, I'm always thinking 'bout my weight
I used to never feel embarrassed (Feel embarrassed)
When I call up the paparazzi
Everyone else does it constantly
I hate these doubts that keep running through my mind
Sometimes I really think it would be cool to rewind
[Chorus]
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind (Sometimes, sometimes)
[Verse 2]
Used to burn CDs full of songs I didn't know
Used to sit in my bedroom, putting polish on my toes
Recently, I've been thinking about a way simpler time
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
I used to never think about Billboard
But, now, I've started thinking again
Wondering 'bout whether I think I deserve commercial success
It's running through my mind
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
[Chorus]
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind (Sometimes, sometimes)
[Outro]
Sometimes, —times
Ooh, mm
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Wanna turn back time to a different time, oh
Sometimes
I just wanna rewind, I just wanna rewind
I just wanna rewind
Press rewind, yeah
Yeah, press rewind, yeah
Bring the beat back
Press rewind, yeah
Yeah, press rewind
@0liv1a_Rxse
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Sometimes (sometimes) (sometimes) I just wanna rewind
I'd go back in time to when I wasn't insecure
To when I didn't overanalyse my face shape
Nowadays, I only eat at the good restaurants
But, honestly, I'm always thinking 'bout my weight
I used to never feel embarrassed (feel embarrassed)
When I call out the paparazzi
Everyone else does it constantly
I hate these doubts that keep running through my mind
Sometimes I really think it would be cool to rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Sometimes (sometimes) (sometimes) I just wanna rewind
Used to burn CDs full of songs I didn't know
Used to sit in my bedroom putting polish on my toes
Recently, I've been thinking 'bout a waist and bulletins
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
I used to never think about )
But, now, I started thinking again
Wondering 'bout whether I think I deserve commercial success
It's running through my mind
Sometimes, I really think it would be cool to rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind (sometimes, sometimes)
Sometimes
Ooh, mm
Sometimes, I just wanna rewind
Wanna turn back time, to a different time
Sometimes
I just wanna rewind, I just wanna rewind
I just wanna rewind
Let's rewind, yeah
Yeah, press rewind, yeah
Bring the beat back
Press rewind
Yeah, press rewind.
@tastyhaze2058
What a tribute. Singing about wanting to turn back time while singing over a hook from a SOPHIE demo. Miss u girl
@parkerhuseby
OMG IT SOUNDS LIKE SFIRE
@lyddlemami
😭💚
@SYNTAAX84
Which demo?
@tastyhaze2058
@@SYNTAAX84 It's very similar to OOH. Not an exact match but the line is similar and so is the synth patch.
@SYNTAAX84
@@tastyhaze2058 ohh I definitely see it now. Thanks
@Blitzbrie
The additional synth flourish that kicks in with the chorus at 1:39 is just absolutely breathtaking. Such a simple thing but an instant standout moment on the album. It adds so much to that chorus feeling special and perfectly evokes that sense of longing this song is about. It's in the moments like these where you really see the true genius of her and the producers she works with. A.G is a wizard.
@myles7453
Love this track.
Reminds me a bit of 1999 from the Charli album since this too talks about wanting to go back to simpler times.
@samarevalo8411
even the sound of 1999 is the same as the whole album should be on this album
@plzdont.talk-tome
@@samarevalo84111999 had the brat green!💚