The Unexpected Fruit of BRAT
When Charli XCX dropped her sixth studio album BRAT on June 7, 2024, fans were treated to a sonic feast of hyperpop bangers.
Among the tracks, “Apple” emerged as a surprising standout, nearly missing its spot on the final tracklist.
This retro-electronic odyssey, co-produced by Charli herself alongside A. G. Cook, George Daniel, and Lotus IV, offers a fresh take on familial relationships and intergenerational dynamics.
It’s a song that exemplifies Charli XCX’s ability to merge introspective themes with an infectious, danceable beat.
From “The Apple” to “Apple”: The Song’s Evolution
The journey of “Apple” began long before its release. On September 8, 2023, Charli teased fans with a photo of her notebook, revealing lyrics to a song then titled “The Apple.”
As anticipation built, Charli confirmed the track’s inclusion on BRAT via a voice memo sent to select fans on April 2, 2024.
Charli XCX’s second official co-producer credit, following “In The City” with Sam Smith, “Apple” showcases her growing prowess behind the mixing desk.
The result is a track that stands apart sonically from the rest of BRAT, embodying the album’s rebellious spirit in its unexpected nature.
In a candid revelation, Charli shared, “I had a lot of people reach out to me about ‘Apple’, which is cool. Obviously, that track is a little bit sonically different than the rest of the songs on the record and, at first, I was nervous about that. But then it kind of felt, actually, that that is sort of the epitome of BRAT in a way: to kind of throw something unbelievably unexpected just right in your face and, you know, let it thrive.”
Despite initial hesitations about its place on BRAT, “Apple” has become one of the album’s most talked-about tracks.
“Apple” Lyrics Breakdown: Peeling Back the Layers
“Apple” is a deeply personal song that explores Charli XCX’s relationship with her parents, using the apple as a metaphor for inherited traits and intergenerational trauma.
The lyrics delve into themes of misunderstanding, frustration, and the desire for escape, all set against the backdrop of a catchy, retro electronic soundscape.
The song opens with a powerful metaphor:
“I guess the apple don’t fall far from the tree ‘Cause I’ve been looking at you so long now I only see me”
These lines set the tone for a deeply personal exploration of family ties and self-reflection.
The desire to “throw the apple into the sky” suggests a longing for change or escape from inherited traits.
The recurring motif of driving to the airport reinforces this theme of fleeing from difficult emotions or situations.
In the second verse 2 Charli acknowledges the complexity of familial relationships:
“I guess the apple could turn yellow or green I know there’s lots of different nuances to you and to me”
This verse highlights the multifaceted nature of parent-child dynamics, while also expressing frustration at feeling unheard:
“But I can’t help but get so angry you don’t listen, I leave”
The final verse delves into the concept of intergenerational trauma:
“I think the apple’s rotten right to the core From all the things passed down from all the apples coming before“
This powerful imagery suggests that negative traits or experiences can be inherited, affecting subsequent generations.
The song concludes with a poignant question:
“I wanna know where you go when you’re feeling alone When you’re feeling alone, do you?”
This repetitive outro emphasizes the desire for connection and understanding, even in the face of conflict or distance.
The Cultural and Emotional Context
Understanding Charli XCX’s mixed-race background adds another layer of nuance to “Apple.”
Charli’s Gujarati-Ugandan heritage means she carries the weight of intergenerational trauma, including the impact of the Partition of 1947 and the 1972 expulsion of Indians from Uganda by Idi Amin.
These historical events have left scars that are often passed down through generations, affecting emotional and psychological well-being.
Intergenerational trauma manifests in various ways, such as the stigmatisation of mental health within South Asian communities.
The BBC reported in 2018 that rates of attempted suicide among South Asian women are significantly higher than among their white counterparts, largely due to cultural differences and the stigmatisation of mental health issues.
Charli’s lyrics resonate with many who struggle to communicate their emotional needs to parents who were taught to suppress such discussions.
The Sound of “Apple”: A Retro-Electronic Blend
“Apple” stands out on BRAT for its unique sonic palette. The track blends retro electronic elements with Charli’s signature hyperpop style, creating a nostalgic yet futuristic soundscape.
The song’s structure, alternating between verses and the airport refrain, mirrors the push-and-pull of the lyrical themes.
Charli XCX’s Perspective on “Apple”
In an interview, Charli shared her thoughts on the track:
“I think [the most underrated track on BRAT is] ‘Apple’. I had a lot of people reach out to me about ‘Apple’, which is cool. Obviously, that track is a little bit sonically different than the rest of the songs on the record and, at first, I was nervous about that. But then it kind of felt, actually, that that is sort of the epitome of brat in a way: to kind of throw something unbelievably unexpected just right in your face and, you know, let it thrive.”
Interestingly, Charli mentioned drawing inspiration from Caroline Polachek’s writing style while crafting “Apple,” adding another layer to the song’s creative genesis.
“Apple” in the Context of BRAT
As part of BRAT, “Apple” contributes to the album’s overarching themes of female experiences in the 21st century.
The song touches on intergenerational relationships and identity, complementing other tracks that explore feminism, friendship, and personal growth.
A Viral Sensation
Since its release, “Apple” has captured the imagination of fans and celebrities alike, thanks in part to a viral TikTok dance challenge.
This phenomenon was sparked by TikTok user Kelley Heyer, whose choreography for the song was first performed by Charli XCX herself, alongside pop star Troye Sivan and photographer Terrence O’Connor, in a now-iconic video posted on June 28, 2024.
The “Apple” dance trend has seen widespread participation, including notable contributions from Twisters co-stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos.
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Charli xcx Apple Lyrics
Verse 1
I guess the apple don’t fall far from the tree
‘Cause I’ve been looking at you so long
Now I only see me
I wanna throw the apple into the sky
Feels like you never understand me
So I just wanna drive to the airport
The airport, the airport, the airport
Verse 2
I guess the apple could turn yellow or green
I know there’s lots of different nuances
To you and to me
I wanna grow the apple, keep all the seeds
But I can’t help but get so angry
You don’t listen, I leave to the airport
The airport, the airport, the airport, the airport
The airport, the airport, the airport
Interlude
I’m gonna drive, gonna drive all night
I’m gonna drive, gonna drive all night
Verse 3
I think the apple’s rotten right to the core
From all the things passed down
From all the apples coming before
I split the apple down symmetrical lines
And what I find is kinda scary
Makes me just wanna drive
(Drive, drive, drive, dr-dr-dr-drive, drive, drive)
(I’m gonna drive, gonna drive all night)
(I’m gonna drive, gonna drive all night)
(Drive, drive, drive, dr-dr-dr-drive, drive, drive)
Outro
I wanna know where you go
When you’re feeling alone
When you’re feeling alone, do you?
I wanna know where you go
When you’re feeling alone
When you’re feeling alone, do you?
(Do you, do you, do you, do you)
(Do you, do you, do you, do you)
(Do you, do you, do you, do you)
(Do you, do you, do you, do you)
(Do you, do you, do you, do you)
(Do you, do you, do you, do you)
(Do you, do you, do you, do you)
(Do you, do you, do you, do you)
(Do you, do you)
