Apple

The song captures the struggle of understanding oneself through the lens of a relationship. Charli reflects on how being close to someone can reveal both similarities and differences. There's a sense of frustration when communication breaks down, leading to a strong desire to escape and find clarity. The apple metaphor serves as a powerful image for family ties and inherited traits, suggesting that what we inherit can also be burdensome.

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

In this first verse, Charli introduces the idea that she’s closely tied to someone else, likely a partner or family member. The saying about the apple and the tree implies she's reflecting on how much she’s become like them. It’s a little scary for her because it feels like she’s losing her individuality. The desire to throw the apple into the sky hints at wanting to break free from these ties and find her own way.

Chorus

To the airport, the airport
The airport, the airport

The chorus brings a repetitive and almost frantic energy. The airport symbolizes escape and the longing for distance. By repeating "the airport," she emphasizes her need to get away and perhaps find herself again. It feels like a call for freedom from the situation that’s weighing her down.

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

In this verse, Charli acknowledges that there are different aspects to her relationship. The changing colors of the apple suggest that people can evolve, and she’s aware of the complexities involved. She expresses a wish to nurture what they have, symbolized by wanting to grow the apple and keep the seeds. This shows she values the relationship but is also grappling with her feelings of anger and frustration.

Chorus

But I can't help but get so angry
You don't listen to me
To the airport, the airport
The airport, the airport

Here, the chorus returns with an added layer of emotion. The anger she feels is palpable. It’s clear that communication issues are at play. The repetition of "the airport" continues to highlight her desire to escape, but now it's tied to deeper feelings of being unheard. This adds a sense of urgency to her need to leave.

Bridge

I'm gonna drive, gonna drive all night
I'm gonna drive, gonna drive all night

The bridge amplifies her need for escape. The act of driving all night feels like a metaphor for searching for clarity or freedom. It’s almost like she’s trying to outrun her frustrations. The repetition here gives a sense of determination, as if she’s ready to take action and find her own path.

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

In this verse, Charli reveals a darker side to the apple metaphor. She suggests that the issues she faces have roots in her family or past experiences. The idea that the apple is "rotten" indicates deep-seated problems that she can't ignore. By splitting it down the middle, she's trying to examine these issues, but what she discovers is unsettling. This shows her struggle with inherited traits and patterns.

Chorus

And what I find is kinda scary
Makes me just wanna drive
(Drive, drive, drive, dr-dr-dr-drive, drive, drive)

This chorus reflects her fear and confusion. The realization that there are scary aspects of her identity pushes her further towards that urge to escape. The repetition of "drive" here feels almost hypnotic, emphasizing her desperation to get away from these feelings.

Outro

I know where you're go when you're feeling alone
When you're feeling alone, do you
I know where you're go when you're feeling alone
When you're feeling alone, do you

The outro brings back a sense of connection, even amidst all the frustration. It suggests that despite her struggles, she understands her partner’s feelings. There’s a hint of empathy, but it also feels like a reminder of their distance. The repetition reinforces the idea that both are feeling alone, yet there’s an unspoken bond in that shared experience.

Closing Thoughts

"Apple" is a rich exploration of identity, family ties, and the complexity of relationships. Charli XCX uses the metaphor of an apple to convey both connection and the weight of inherited traits. The song captures a rollercoaster of emotions, from frustration to a desire for understanding and freedom. It’s relatable and raw, making it a compelling listen.