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.
Secret
Charli XCX Lyrics
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We do what we supposed to do
Speak, but never shout it
Get home, be in bed by two
But I don't wan' follow that, that no more
I see myself all over you for sure
You got me breaking all the rules
Leggo, leggo
If I share my secret, secret, ah ah
Promise you'll keep it, keep it down
If I share my secret, ah ah
No one gets to know but you
No one gets to know, but shh
Shh
Shh
Shh
Shh
Please don't tell nobody
I'm ready to climb the walls
I know that you want it
I'm ready to give it all
I feel like an animal on all fours
I see myself all over you for sure
You got me breaking all the rules
Leggo, leggo
If I share my secret, secret, ah ah
Promise you'll keep it, keep it down
If I share my secret, ah ah
No one gets to know but you
No one gets to know, but shh
Shh
Shh
Shh
Under the glimmering lights, my secret's out
Now I got nothing to hide, come tear me down
Shimmering all through the night, I'm tempted by you
It's all true, oh
No-no-no-no-no one gets to know but you
No-no-no-no-no one gets to know but
Know but you, you, you, you
No one gets to know but you
No-no-no-no-no one gets to know, but shh
Shh
If I share my secret, secret, ah ah
Promise you'll keep it, keep it down
If I share my secret, ah ah
No one gets to know but you
No one gets to know, but shh
The song “Secret” by Charli XCX and SOPHIE is about breaking societal expectations and indulging in one’s desires. The lyrics describe the pressure placed on women to be “good girls” who follow rules like getting home by a certain time, not being too loud, and not partying too much. However, the singer of the song is tired of conforming to these ideals and desires to break free.
The lyrics suggest that the singer has a secret desire that she wants to share with someone she trusts. She asks the person to keep her secret, promising that no one else will ever know. The secret is likely a sexual one, hinted at by lines like “I feel like an animal on all fours” and “I know that you want it.” By sharing this secret, the singer not only breaks free from societal expectations but also establishes an intimate connection with the listener.
The chorus of the song repeats the lines “If I share my secret, promise you’ll keep it down. No one gets to know but you.” This reinforces the idea of secrecy and suggests that sharing this secret could have consequences if it were to get out. The repetitive “shh” sounds in the song also emphasize the importance of keeping quiet and not letting this secret out.
Overall, the lyrics of “Secret” explore themes of rebellion, desire, and intimacy. The song encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and to find someone they trust to share their deepest desires with.
Line by Line Meaning
Ya good girls shouldn't party
Society tells me not to enjoy myself and follow some unrealistic standards
We do what we supposed to do
We have to adhere to societal norms and expectations
Speak, but never shout it
I can express myself, but I'm not allowed to be too loud or bold about it
Get home, be in bed by two
I have to be responsible and not stay out too late
But I don't wan' follow that, that no more
I refuse to conform to societal expectations that restrict my freedom
I see myself all over you for sure
You represent what I want to be free and uninhibited
You got me breaking all the rules
You make me feel like I can break free from societal constraints and be myself
If I share my secret, secret, ah ah
I want to reveal something personal to you
Promise you'll keep it, keep it down
I am trusting you with my secrets and need you to keep them private
No one gets to know but you
I am only willing to share this information with you
Please don't tell nobody
I am pleading with you to keep my secret safe
I'm ready to climb the walls
I am bursting with excitement and energy
I know that you want it
I can sense that you share my desire for freedom and fun
I feel like an animal on all fours
I feel liberated and alive, like an animal in the wild
Under the glimmering lights, my secret's out
My exhilaration has caused me to become more outgoing and confident
Now I got nothing to hide, come tear me down
I am now completely honest and open for you to see
No-no-no-no-no one gets to know but you
I am adamant about keeping this secret just between us
Know but you, you, you, you
You are the only person who can understand and appreciate my desire for freedom
No-no-no-no-no one gets to know, but shh
This is strictly confidential, and I need you to keep it hush-hush
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jesse St.John Geller, Jessica Ashley Karpov, Jodie Harsh, Samuel Long
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind