“Sympathy is a knife” by Charli XCX is a detailed, vulnerable, and relatable song. The song is Charli’s internal monologue about her insecurities and fears as a woman working in the music industry. Charli perfectly explains the complex, and often uncomfortable, feelings that come in female friendships when competing for the spotlight.
Musically, “Sympathy is a Knife” is an upbeat and energetic song. The song blends hyperpop and EDM to create its chorus. Charli uses heavy synths and electronic style beats to help develop the song.
The song is honest and raw. By using the repeating lines “Cause I couldn’t even be her if I tried/ I’m opposite, I’m on the other side” and “I don’t wanna share this space/ I don’t want to force a smile/ This one girl taps my insecurities,’’ Charli dives into the anxieties, self-doubt, and jealousy that come from constant comparison, specifically in the music industry. This is a huge theme throughout the album and other songs by Charli.
In the song Charli even wishes to break up a couple, with the line “Don’t wanna see her backstage at my boyfriends show/ Fingers crossed behind my back, I hope they break up,” Charli does this to show how jealousy can make a person act out of character and take extreme actions that they do not mean.
I chose this song because of the recent online drama surrounding it. In many people’s eyes this song is considered a “distrack” because Charli XCX is critiquing another female artist. I disagree, this song is talking about the jealousy and complicated feelings a person can experience when they see their friend doing better than they are, a universal experience for many people.
“Sympathy is a knife” was released as apart of Charli XCX’s album “Brat” in 2024. Charli has been making music since 2013, and “Brat” is her sixth studio album.
“Sympathy is a knife” is available on all streaming platforms.