Black Roses
Charli Xcx Lyrics


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Purple and scarred
Is the color that will be on my heart, my heart, my heart
When you are done and dustin' with me
I fall apart when I watch you touch yourself on my skin, omy skin, on my skin
I know you're tired of stickin' to me

Deep in black roses
Dateless doses
I'm fallin' victim to black roses

I've got a diamond desire
Gonna step into the blue fire
Touchin' your lips with my skin
I'm on another level (I can't let go)

So turn the gun to sin
Like an angel with the dirty wings
Tainted by tastes of the soul
This is another level (I need to love)

Deep in black roses
Dateless doses
I'm fallin' victim to black roses
Black roses
Black roses
I'm fallin' victim to black roses

You're turnin' me off
I won't praise a man to fuck but you keep turnin' me on
You're turnin' me on
You're turnin' me off

Black roses
Cold, dark dust
Black roses
Cold, dark dust
Black roses
Cold, dark dust
Black roses
Black roses

Deep in black roses
Dateless doses
I'm fallin' victim to black roses
Black roses
Black roses
I'm fallin' victim to black roses
Black roses
Black roses
I'm fallin' victim to black roses
Black roses




Black roses
Black roses

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Black Roses" by Charli XCX are an intricate amalgamation of sexual and emotional intensity. The opening lines of "Purple and scarred, is the color that will be on my heart when you are done and dustin' with me" gives the impression that the singer is at the receiving end of a romance that was particularly damaging. The use of color symbolism with purple, which is associated with pain and suffering, and scarred, depicting the aftermath of a battle, sets the tone for the entire song.


The line "I fall apart when I watch you touch yourself on my skin" reveals the singer's vulnerability and their inability to let go, despite the pain inflicted on them in the past. The imagery of "deep in black roses" hints at the darkness that the singer is immersed in, while "dateless doses" could be interpreted as a reflection of a love that wasn't reciprocated, leaving the singer in a desolate state.


As the song progresses, the singer seems to be aware of the destructive nature of their relationship, yet they are compelled to pursue it. "I've got a diamond desire, gonna step into the blue fire, touchin' your lips with my skin, I'm on another level," signifies the singer's willingness to go to any length to satisfy their desire for their partner. However, the chorus repeatedly mentions "falling victim to black roses," signifying the singer's realization that they are caught up in a cycle of pain and suffering.


Overall, "Black Roses" is a powerful exploration of the complexities of love, pain, and desire. The lyrics showcase Charli XCX's ability to convey raw emotions through vivid imagery and symbolism, creating a hauntingly beautiful piece of music.


Line by Line Meaning

Purple and scarred
My heart will bear the marks of hurt and betrayal in the form of purple bruises and scars.


Is the color that will be on my heart, my heart, my heart
My heart will be deeply affected, leaving lasting marks of pain and suffering.


When you are done and dustin' with me
When you are finished using me and leave me behind, I will be left feeling broken and helpless.


I fall apart when I watch you touch yourself on my skin, omy skin, on my skin
Seeing you connecting with yourself on my skin breaks me apart and leaves me feeling empty and worthless.


I know you're tired of stickin' to me
I am aware that you no longer want to be with me and are tired of our relationship.


Deep in black roses
I am fully immersed in feelings of sadness and despair, symbolized by the darkness of black roses.


Dateless doses
The pain that I feel from our relationship is timeless and never-ending.


I've got a diamond desire
I have strong desires and aspirations for luxury and extravagance.


Gonna step into the blue fire
Despite its danger, I am willing to take a risk and jump into the unknown, represented by blue fire.


Touchin' your lips with my skin
I am desperate to be close to you and feel your touch, even if it is fleeting.


I'm on another level (I can't let go)
I am consumed by my emotions and cannot let go of my intense feelings for you.


So turn the gun to sin
I am willing to engage in sinful behaviors and behaviors that may hurt others, as long as it leads to a feeling of power and control in our relationship.


Like an angel with the dirty wings
My seemingly pure and innocent personality is tainted by the dark and immoral behavior I am willing to partake in.


Tainted by tastes of the soul
My innermost desires and yearnings are corrupted by the darkness and pain that I feel.


This is another level (I need to love)
I am reaching a point of obsession, where I am unable to function without your love and affection.


You're turnin' me off
Your actions and behavior are causing me to lose interest and attraction towards you.


I won't praise a man to fuck but you keep turnin' me on
I refuse to give in to my attraction towards you, but you continue to lure me in and excite me.


Black roses
My life is engulfed by the darkness and despair symbolized by black roses.


Cold, dark dust
The bleakness and emptiness wrought by our relationship is like cold, dark dust.


I'm fallin' victim to black roses
I am being consumed and destroyed by the pain and negativity that our relationship brings.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ariel Rechtshaid, Justin Raisen, Charlotte Aitchison

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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