Rina began collaborating with London-based producer Hoost and released her debut single ’Sleeping In Waking’ in 2013. In 2016, she was included in The Fader's 13 Artists You Need To Know About In 2017. Her debut EP ’RINA’ was released in 2017.
In 2018, she released the new single ’Valentine’ on Valentine’s Day. The music video for album track ’Ordinary Superstar’ was released in June 2018. In August 2018, Sawayama released the track ’Cherry’, in which she explores her sexual identity. Sawayama embarked on her ‘Ordinary Superstar Tour’ across the UK and United States in late 2018.
In 2019, Rina began to rollout of her debut full-length album, starting with the single ‘STFU!’, which is based on her experiences of micro-aggressions as an Asian woman. The album's third single ’XS’, which serves as a satirical criticism of modern capitalism, was released in March 2020, and was well received, helping her get her name more known. The album, ’SAWAYAMA’ was finally released on April 17, and went onto become one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year. It was praised for its mix of genres, wide range of influences and vocal performances. The project made multiple end-of-year lists, notably ranking #1 on The Line Of Best Fit's list. The album was also loved by musical icon Elton John, who would then go on to feature on a new duet version of the single ‘Chosen Family’.
Rina would embark on the ‘Dynasty Tour’ for the album in 2021 after being delayed a year. Soon after in May 2022, Rina announced her sophomore album ’Hold The Girl’, scheduled for a September 2nd release, along with the lead single ‘This Hell’, which puts a fun spin on negative stigma towards the LGBTQ+ community. The album's release was pushed back to September 16th, with the singles ’Catch Me In The Air’, the title track, ’Phantom’ and ‘Hurricanes’ being released in the run up. The record also garnered positive reviews upon release, and debuted at #3 on the UK charts, Rina's first time charting this high. The ‘Hold The Girl Tour’ began in October 2022, and ended in February of the following year. This tour was followed up by a second run of North America, titled ‘Hold The Girl Tour - Reloaded’, beginning in June 2023, and rounding up the tour and era in October of the same year.
Many of Sawayama’s tracks are co-written and produced by Clarence Clarity. She has also collaborated with the likes of Shamir, Bree Runway, and Charli XCX, the latter of which's collaboration ’Beg For You’ gave Rina her first top 40 hit in the UK. In September 2023, Empress Of released her single ‘Kiss Me’ featuring Sawayama.
Flicker
Rina Sawayama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sadness, not from heartache
Cold shoulder, the way you look at
Me, me, me, me
I'm losing my axis
Looking at the recess
This pressure, the way you look at
Me, me, me, me
They say don't even try to resist
Look at what you've been given
Be grateful and don't take the piss
When the people on TV
They all look the same
I know I can do
I can do better than them
When you're down, feeling low
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
'Cause you know what they don't
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Nobody gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
Nobody gonna shine like you and me
Back then didn't notice
They called it subversive
No longer withheld by what you think of me
They say don't even try to resist
Look at what you've been given
Be grateful and don't take the piss
When the people on TV
They all look the same
I know I can do
I can do better than them, yeah
When you're down, feeling low
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
'Cause you know what they don't
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Nobody gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
Nobody gonna shine like you and me
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Well they ain't no sun
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Well they ain't no flame
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
We are not the same
No, no, no, no
When you're feeling down
When you're down, feeling low
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
'Cause you know what they don't
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Nobody gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
Nobody gonna shine like you and me
In "Flicker," Rina Sawayama addresses the pressure to conform and fit into societal expectations. The lyrics convey a sense of sadness and vulnerability, as she reflects on feeling judged and looked down upon. The line "Sadness, not from heartache" suggests that her sadness stems not from personal relationships but from the way she is perceived by others.
She references the media's influence on beauty standards and the pressure to be grateful for what she has been given. However, she rejects the notion of conforming to these standards, expressing her belief that she can do better and be her own unique self. The repetition of "me, me, me" emphasizes her individuality and refusal to be controlled by societal expectations.
The chorus serves as an empowering reminder to embrace one's own identity and not compare oneself to others. It acknowledges that they may flicker and appear momentarily dazzling, but they lack the true radiance and shine that comes from being authentic. Sawayama encourages the listener to remember their own name and not be swayed by external influences.
Overall, "Flicker" is a song that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance, encouraging listeners to embrace their uniqueness and not be deterred by societal pressures.
Line by Line Meaning
These days looking sideways
In the present time, I find myself constantly searching for validation and comparing myself to others.
Sadness, not from heartache
The sadness I feel is not a result of romantic heartbreak, but rather the way others perceive me.
Cold shoulder, the way you look at
I feel ignored and dismissed by the way you gaze upon me.
Me, me, me, me
My self-centeredness and self-obsession exacerbate this feeling of being judged.
I'm losing my axis
I'm losing my sense of balance and stability in my life due to this constant comparison and scrutiny.
Looking at the recess
I examine the hidden parts of myself and my insecurities, dwelling on them too much.
This pressure, the way you look at
The pressure I feel is amplified by the judgmental way you perceive me.
They say don't even try to resist
Society tells me not to resist or question the norms and expectations imposed upon me.
Look at what you've been given
Instead, I should focus on being grateful for what I have, without questioning its value.
Be grateful and don't take the piss
I should be grateful and not take advantage of what I have been blessed with.
When the people on TV
When I see the individuals on television
They all look the same
I realize that they all conform to a certain standard, lacking originality and authenticity.
I know I can do
I have confidence in my abilities
I can do better than them
I can surpass their level of success and individuality.
When you're down, feeling low
In moments of sadness and self-doubt
Just remember your name
I should remember and hold on to my own identity and value.
They ain't us
Those people are not like us
'Cause you know what they don't
Because I possess knowledge and understanding that they lack.
But they ain't gonna shine like us
They will not radiate with the same brilliance and uniqueness as we do.
Nobody gonna shine like you and me
No one will be able to shine with the same radiance as you and me.
Back then didn't notice
In the past, I was ignorant to certain things.
They called it subversive
They referred to it as rebellious or undermining the established norms.
No longer withheld by what you think of me
I am no longer restrained or limited by your opinion of me.
Well they ain't no sun
Those people are not sources of warmth, light, and positivity.
Well they ain't no flame
They lack the passion, intensity, and spark that we possess.
We are not the same
We are distinct and incomparable.
When you're feeling down
When you're feeling sad or low.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Rina Sawayama
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
M San Antonio
These days looking sideways
Sadness, not from heartache
Cold shoulder, the way you look at
Me, me, me, me
I’m losing my axis
Looking at the recess
This pressure, the way you look at
Me, me, me, me
They say don’t even try to resist
Look at what you've been given
Be grateful and don’t take the piss
When the people on TV
They all look the same
I know I can do
I can do better than them
When you’re down, feeling low
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
'Cause you know what they don’t
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain’t gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Nobody gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain’t gonna shine like us
Nobody gonna shine like you and me
Back then didn't notice
They called it subversive
No longer withheld by what you think of me
They say don’t even try to resist
Look at what you've been given
Be grateful and don’t take the piss
When the people on TV
They all look the same
I know I can do
I can do better than them, yeah
When you’re down, feeling low
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
'Cause you know what they don’t
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain’t gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Nobody gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain’t gonna shine like us
Nobody gonna shine like you and me
Well they ain’t no sun
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Well they ain’t no flame
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
We are not the same
No, no, no, no
When you're feeling down
When you’re down, feeling low
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
'Cause you know what they don’t
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain’t gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Nobody gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain’t gonna shine like us
Nobody gonna shine like you and me
JalStar
Rina is one of those artist that I just want to see succeed and win. Her music is so authentic and legit. I hope she just continues to grow and her name spreads because people need to hear her sing.
Sunehri Chowdhury
She is now!!
orvi ianj
It has been growing. We are living to see her rise and succeed
Problematic Bitch
She legit makes the best pop music
lonetruthseeker
Rina always makes me feel extra confident and that's the vibe I need.
justine swift
same omg TT
aLgaeikPond
A vibe we all need :)
Lusitan
yesssss
anarchy orchid
lonetruthseeker omg yess
The songwriting is obviously empowering but it’s like in her voice also
So great
cooldudes
What I like most about you, Rina, is the content of your lyrics. You're great at addressing issues of real importance that people are facing today, and I hope that you continue to write with such clarity, impact, and focus!!! #rinaflicker