Revision as of 01:44, 29 December 2024 editTheseVGF (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,058 edits Fixed lint error – Table tag that should be deleted← Previous edit | Revision as of 21:42, 5 January 2025 edit undoFlabshoe1 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users15,433 edits →Commercial performanceNext edit → | ||
(25 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|2024 song by Charli XCX}} | {{Short description|2024 song by Charli XCX}} | ||
{{good article}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}} | ||
{{Infobox song | {{Infobox song | ||
Line 21: | Line 22: | ||
}} | }} | ||
"'''Sympathy Is a Knife'''" is a song by the English singer ] from her sixth studio album, '']'' |
"'''Sympathy Is a Knife'''" is a song by the English singer ] from her sixth studio album, '']'', released through ]. She wrote and produced it with ], while ] provided additional songwriting. A ] track driven by ] and ] vocals, it was written about self-comparison, ], insecurities, and ]. | ||
Upon its release, fans speculated that the track was written about ] and her relationship with ] of ]. This speculation was amplified by Swift reissuing her album '']'' (2024) in the United Kingdom a week after ''Brat''{{'s}} release, blocking it from reaching number one on the ]. Following this, the audience at Charli XCX's ] in São Paulo chanted "Taylor is dead!", which she condemned. She also later debunked the speculation of the track's subject, expressing that the track was written about anxiety, insecurities, and situational self-doubt, and Swift later praised Charli XCX in an interview with ]. | |||
Upon release, the song peaked at 56 on the ], as well as the top 10 on the US ] chart. Later on, it debuted at number 18 on the New Zealand singles chart. Charli XCX included the song the setlist of her ] tour and performed it on '']'' on 16 November 2024. | |||
A remix version featuring ] was released on 11 October 2024, from the remix album '']''. As opposed to the original version, the remix deals with the pitfalls of being in the public eye. The remix, as well as the original version, received positive reviews from critics. Many publications believed the remix was one of the album's best, and the original version was included in ]'s list of the best songs of 2024. Both versions charted in various countries; the original received a gold ] from ] (MC). Charli XCX included the song in the setlist of her ] tour with ] throughout 2024 and 2025, and performed it on '']'' in November 2024. | |||
== Background == | |||
Upon the release of ]'s sixth studio album ], fans speculated that "Sympathy Is a Knife" was written about the American singer-songwriter ] and her ex-boyfriend, ] of ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kile |first=Meredith B. |date=7 June 2024 |title=Why Fans Think Taylor Swift Is Referenced in Charli XCX's 'Sympathy Is a Knife' Song |url=https://www.etonline.com/why-fans-think-taylor-swift-is-referenced-in-charli-xcxs-sympathy-is-a-knife-song-226938 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607221709/https://www.etonline.com/why-fans-think-taylor-swift-is-referenced-in-charli-xcxs-sympathy-is-a-knife-song-226938 |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Curto |first=Justin |date=7 June 2024 |title=Sounds Like Charli XCX Wasn't Rooting for Taylor and Matty |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/charli-xcx-taylor-swift-brat-sympathy-is-a-knife.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607072122/https://www.vulture.com/article/charli-xcx-taylor-swift-brat-sympathy-is-a-knife.html |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> During 2018, Charli XCX was an ] for Swift's ], as well as appeared in ] (2015).<ref name=":1" /> Though there had been no public feud between Charli XCX and Swift prior to the song's release, fans thought that the mention of Charli XCX's fiancé ], also of the 1975, meant it was written about Swift's relationship with Healy.<ref name=":0" /> Despite the speculation, Charli XCX confirmed that there were no "diss tracks" on ''Brat''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Jibril |first=Halima |date=14 June 2024 |title=Why do people think Taylor Swift is sabotaging Charli XCX? |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/62863/1/is-taylor-swift-intentionally-blocking-charli-xcx-from-the-uk-music-charts |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614161110/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/62863/1/is-taylor-swift-intentionally-blocking-charli-xcx-from-the-uk-music-charts |archive-date=14 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> The week following ''Brat''<nowiki/>'s release, Swift released a reissue of her album ] (2024), only available in the United Kingdom, which fans thought was an intentional effort to block ''Brat'' from reaching number one on the ].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pilley |first=Max |date=17 June 2024 |title=Taylor Swift kept Charli XCX from Number One with new UK-only editions of 'The Tortured Poets Department' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-kept-charli-xcx-from-number-one-with-new-uk-only-editions-of-the-tortured-poets-department-3766185 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711093605/https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-kept-charli-xcx-from-number-one-with-new-uk-only-editions-of-the-tortured-poets-department-3766185 |archive-date=11 July 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
== Background and recording == | |||
During a ] Charli XCX was playing at in São Paulo during June 2024, the audience chanted "Taylor is dead!".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pilley |first=Max |date=24 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX criticises fans for shouting "Taylor Swift is dead" at her gig |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/charli-xcx-criticises-fans-for-shouting-taylor-swift-is-dead-at-her-gig-3768003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624070131/https://www.nme.com/news/music/charli-xcx-criticises-fans-for-shouting-taylor-swift-is-dead-at-her-gig-3768003 |archive-date=24 June 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Charli XCX later criticised the people who chanted the phrase on her ] ], by asking them to stop, and saying that she "will not tolerate it".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carson |first=Lexi |date=23 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX Calls Out Fans Chanting 'Taylor Swift Is Dead' At Her Shows: 'Please Stop' |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/charli-xcx-taylor-swift-chanting-1236045270/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623221832/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/charli-xcx-taylor-swift-chanting-1236045270/ |archive-date=23 June 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> In an August 2024 interview with ], Charli XCX expressed that "people are gonna think what they want to think" and stated that "Sympathy Is a Knife" is about her anxiety, insecurities, and wanting to avoid situations that make her feel self-doubt. In the same interview, Swift lauded Charli XCX's musical sensibilities, called her writing "surreal and inventive, always", and that she enjoys seeing the results of Charli XCX's hard work. She further praised Charli XCX's ability to " a song to places you wouldn't expect it to go" and the fact that "she's been doing it consistently for over a decade".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colyar |first=Brooke |date=26 August 2024 |title=Charli XCX Will Turn Brat Summer Into Brat Fall |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/charli-xcx-interview-brat-summer-fall-kamala-harris.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826124452/https://www.vulture.com/article/charli-xcx-interview-brat-summer-fall-kamala-harris.html |archive-date=26 August 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
{{Multiple image | |||
| direction = horizontal | |||
| caption_align = center | |||
| image1 = Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Midnights Era Set (53110095798) (cropped).jpg | |||
| alt1 = Taylor Swift in 2023 | |||
| image2 = Matty-healy-of-the-1975-performs-at-the-2019-governors-ball-festival-at-randall-s-island-on-june-01-2019-in-new-york-city (cropped).jpg | |||
| alt2 = Matty Healy in 2019 | |||
| total_width = 300 | |||
| footer = "Sympathy Is a Knife" was speculated by fans to be about the relationship between ] ''(left)'' and ] ''(right)''. | |||
}} | |||
Upon the release of ]'s sixth studio album ], fans speculated that "Sympathy Is a Knife" was written about the American singer-songwriter ] and her ex-boyfriend, ] of ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kile |first=Meredith B. |date=7 June 2024 |title=Why Fans Think Taylor Swift Is Referenced in Charli XCX's 'Sympathy Is a Knife' Song |url=https://www.etonline.com/why-fans-think-taylor-swift-is-referenced-in-charli-xcxs-sympathy-is-a-knife-song-226938 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607221709/https://www.etonline.com/why-fans-think-taylor-swift-is-referenced-in-charli-xcxs-sympathy-is-a-knife-song-226938 |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Curto |first=Justin |date=7 June 2024 |title=Sounds Like Charli XCX Wasn't Rooting for Taylor and Matty |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/charli-xcx-taylor-swift-brat-sympathy-is-a-knife.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607072122/https://www.vulture.com/article/charli-xcx-taylor-swift-brat-sympathy-is-a-knife.html |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> During 2018, she was an ] for Swift's ], as well as appeared in ] (2015).<ref name=":1" /> Though there had been no public feud between Charli XCX and Swift prior to the song's release, fans thought that the mention of Charli XCX's fiancé ], also of the 1975, meant it was written about Swift's relationship with Healy.<ref name=":0" /> Despite the speculation, Charli XCX confirmed that there were no "diss tracks" on ''Brat,''<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Jibril |first=Halima |date=14 June 2024 |title=Why do people think Taylor Swift is sabotaging Charli XCX? |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/62863/1/is-taylor-swift-intentionally-blocking-charli-xcx-from-the-uk-music-charts |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614161110/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/62863/1/is-taylor-swift-intentionally-blocking-charli-xcx-from-the-uk-music-charts |archive-date=14 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> and denied that it was written about Swift.<ref name=":18" /> The week following ''Brat''{{'s}} release, Swift released a reissue of her album '']'' (2024), only available in the United Kingdom, which fans thought was an intentional effort to block ''Brat'' from reaching number one on the ].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pilley |first=Max |date=17 June 2024 |title=Taylor Swift kept Charli XCX from Number One with new UK-only editions of 'The Tortured Poets Department' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-kept-charli-xcx-from-number-one-with-new-uk-only-editions-of-the-tortured-poets-department-3766185 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711093605/https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-kept-charli-xcx-from-number-one-with-new-uk-only-editions-of-the-tortured-poets-department-3766185 |archive-date=11 July 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
"Sympathy Is a Knife" was recorded at Sleeper Sounds in London. It was written by Charli XCX, ], and ], and was produced by Charli XCX and Keane. Idania Valencia and ] ] the track at Sterling Sound in ], while ] handled the track's ]. Keane and Shave engineered Charli XCX's vocals.<ref name="Album Credits">{{cite AV media notes |title=Brat |type=Vinyl liner notes |others=] |author=] |publisher=Atlantic Records |year=2024 |id=075678611674}}</ref> | |||
During a ] Charli XCX was playing at in São Paulo during June 2024, the audience chanted "Taylor is dead!".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pilley |first=Max |date=24 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX criticises fans for shouting "Taylor Swift is dead" at her gig |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/charli-xcx-criticises-fans-for-shouting-taylor-swift-is-dead-at-her-gig-3768003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624070131/https://www.nme.com/news/music/charli-xcx-criticises-fans-for-shouting-taylor-swift-is-dead-at-her-gig-3768003 |archive-date=24 June 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> She later criticised the people who chanted the phrase on her ], by asking her fans to stop, and saying that she "will not tolerate it".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carson |first=Lexi |date=23 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX Calls Out Fans Chanting 'Taylor Swift Is Dead' At Her Shows: 'Please Stop' |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/charli-xcx-taylor-swift-chanting-1236045270/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623221832/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/charli-xcx-taylor-swift-chanting-1236045270/ |archive-date=23 June 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> In an August 2024 interview with ], she expressed that "people are gonna think what they want to think" and stated that "Sympathy Is a Knife" is about her anxiety, insecurities, and wanting to avoid situations that make her feel self-doubt. In the same interview, Swift lauded Charli XCX's musical sensibilities, called her writing "surreal and inventive, always", and that she enjoys seeing the results of Charli XCX's hard work. She further praised Charli XCX's ability to " a song to places you wouldn't expect it to go" and the fact that "she's been doing it consistently for over a decade".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colyar |first=Brooke |date=26 August 2024 |title=Charli XCX Will Turn Brat Summer Into Brat Fall |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/charli-xcx-interview-brat-summer-fall-kamala-harris.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826124452/https://www.vulture.com/article/charli-xcx-interview-brat-summer-fall-kamala-harris.html |archive-date=26 August 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
== Composition and lyrics == | |||
"Sympathy Is a Knife" is two minutes and 31 seconds long.<ref name="amus">{{cite web |title=Sympathy is a knife - Song by Charli xcx |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/death-romance-single/1745538700 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607131027/https://music.apple.com/us/album/sympathy-is-a-knife/1739079974?i=1739080343 |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=16 December 2024 |publisher=] (US)}}</ref> It was classified as a ] track by publications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aroesti |first=Rachel |date=11 October 2024 |title=Charli xcx: Brat and It’s Completely Different But Also Still Brat review – her lime-green imperial phase is unstoppable |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/11/charli-xcx-brat-remix-album-billie-eilish-ariana-grande-lorde |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109183250/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/11/charli-xcx-brat-remix-album-billie-eilish-ariana-grande-lorde |archive-date=9 November 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=The 5 Best Songs Of The Week |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2268092/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week-535/lists/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614200127/https://www.stereogum.com/2268092/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week-535/lists/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week/ |archive-date=14 June 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Its energetic<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |date=3 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX Is Dancing on the Edge With 'Brat' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/charli-xcx-brat-review-1235031414/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603174704/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/charli-xcx-brat-review-1235031414/ |archive-date=3 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> production is dominated by ] and ].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Cinquemani |first=Sal |date=3 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX Brat Review: Existential Crisis on the Dance Floor |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/charli-xcx-brat-album-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603171300/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/charli-xcx-brat-album-review/ |archive-date=3 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Charli XCX's vocals are ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Helen |date=6 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX, BRAT review: Dance-pop star slips a little vulnerability into her clever, anarchic beats |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/charli-xcx-brat-review-b2557120.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606083701/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/charli-xcx-brat-review-b2557120.html |archive-date=6 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> and the stuttering beat is paired alongside distorted bass<ref name=":3" /> and ].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Eric |date=5 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX Triumphs Through Pop Catharsis on BRAT |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/charli-xcx/charli-xcx-triumphs-through-pop-catharsis-on-brat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605145240/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/charli-xcx/charli-xcx-triumphs-through-pop-catharsis-on-brat |archive-date=5 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> The track features a "raw" sound, one that was compared to the work of ] by '']''<nowiki/>'s Nick Malone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malone |first=Nick |date=11 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX Is Everything on 'Brat' |url=https://www.popmatters.com/charli-xcx-brat-music-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611175534/https://www.popmatters.com/charli-xcx-brat-music-review |archive-date=11 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> For ], Abigail Firth called the synthesizers "jolting" and described the track as a "heavier, more arresting" version of Charli XCX's 2019 song "]" ".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Firth |first=Abigail |date=7 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX – BRAT |url=https://readdork.com/albums/charli-xcx-brat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607235736/https://readdork.com/albums/charli-xcx-brat/ |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Meaghan Garvey from ] said that the "] synths and modulated banshee howls sound most like the Charli we've known".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garvey |first=Meaghan |date=7 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX: BRAT Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/charli-xcx-brat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607052259/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/charli-xcx-brat/ |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> ] writer Rho Chung called the track a "shockingly honest banger".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chung |first=Rho |date=7 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX – BRAT album review |url=https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/reviews/albums/charli-xcx-brat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607112618/https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/reviews/albums/charli-xcx-brat |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Ryan Bulbeck, writing for ], said the track has "deeper lyrics that dive into Charli's fears and concerns", and believed the track is "one of many on to meld ] bangers with reflective and at times incredibly personal lyricism".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bulbeck |first=Ryan |date=11 June 2024 |title=Album Review: Charli XCX – Brat |url=https://renownedforsound.com/album-review-charli-xcx-brat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613133800/https://renownedforsound.com/album-review-charli-xcx-brat/ |archive-date=13 June 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> According to Jake Viswanath of ], it was seen as a representation of one of the central themes of its parent album, as it deals with the singer's "complicated emotions about other women".<ref>{{cite web |last=Viswanath |first=Jake |date=18 June 2024 |title=Fans Think Charli xcx's "Sympathy Is A Knife" Is About Taylor Swift |url=https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/charli-xcx-sympathy-is-a-knife-lyrics-taylor-swift-theory |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618230406/https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/charli-xcx-sympathy-is-a-knife-lyrics-taylor-swift-theory |archive-date=18 June 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
"Sympathy Is a Knife" was recorded at Sleeper Sounds in London. It was written and produced by Charli XCX and ], while ] provided additional songwriting. Idania Valencia and ] ] the track at ] in ], while ] handled the track's ]. Keane and Shave engineered Charli XCX's vocals.<ref name="Album Credits">{{cite AV media notes |title=Brat |type=Vinyl liner notes |others=] |author=] |publisher=Atlantic Records |year=2024 |id=075678611674}}</ref> | |||
The lyrics of "Sympathy Is a Knife" reference ]<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> and comparing herself to somebody else;<ref name=":6" /> presumably Swift.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Foss |first=Dakota West |date=7 June 2024 |title=Review: Charli XCX - Brat |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/88675/Charli-XCX-Brat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227041342/https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/88675/Charli-XCX-Brat/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> It is an introspective track that comments on Charli XCX's insecurities<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lamond |first=Ana |date=6 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX – Brat |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/charli-xcx-brat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606133818/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/charli-xcx-brat/ |archive-date=6 June 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> and ].<ref name=":6" /> It also reflects on her conflicted feelings and having a "voice in her head telling her she's not enough".<ref name=":4" /> The lyric "Don't wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend's show / fingers crossed behind my back / I hope they break up quick" was interpreted as being about Swift and Healy's relationship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gillis |first=Drew |date=7 June 2024 |title=brat is great |url=https://www.avclub.com/charli-xcx-brat-review-1851525960 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607174233/https://www.avclub.com/charli-xcx-brat-review-1851525960 |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=KiMi |date=26 August 2024 |title=Taylor Swift shuts down rumors of bad blood with Charli XCX |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/08/26/taylor-swift-charli-xcx-deny-feud-rumors/74957500007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827040455/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/08/26/taylor-swift-charli-xcx-deny-feud-rumors/74957500007/ |archive-date=27 August 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Though, Charli XCX praises the song's character, singing, " 'Cause I couldn't even be her if I tried / I'm opposite, I'm on the other side".<ref name=":0" /> Dakota West Foss from '']'' believed that the song's character "suspiciously matches Taylor Swift's description".<ref name=":7" /> ]'s Eric Bennett thought that the song's lyrics are darker compared to other songs from the album.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
== Release and live performances == | == Release and live performances == | ||
"Sympathy Is a Knife" is the third track on ''Brat'', which was released by ] on 7 June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Megan |date=5 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX’s New Album 'Brat': Everything To Know, Including The Release Date, Tracklist & More |url=https://uproxx.com/pop/charli-xcx-brat-everything-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606162050/https://uproxx.com/pop/charli-xcx-brat-everything-to-know/ |archive-date=6 June 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> It was released alongside a ].<ref name=":8" /> Charli XCX included the track in her set list of the ] tour with ] throughout 2024 and 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCollum |first=Brian |date=15 September 2024 |title=All the songs Charli XCX and Troye Sivan sing on the Sweat tour: Setlist |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/09/15/charlie-xcx-setlist-brat-troye-sivan/75241924007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917005217/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/09/15/charlie-xcx-setlist-brat-troye-sivan/75241924007/ |archive-date=17 September 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> She performed "Sympathy Is a Knife" alongside "]" on ] |
"Sympathy Is a Knife" is the third track on ''Brat'', which was released by ] on 7 June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Megan |date=5 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX’s New Album 'Brat': Everything To Know, Including The Release Date, Tracklist & More |url=https://uproxx.com/pop/charli-xcx-brat-everything-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606162050/https://uproxx.com/pop/charli-xcx-brat-everything-to-know/ |archive-date=6 June 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> It was released alongside a ].<ref name=":8" /> Charli XCX included the track in her set list of the ] tour with ] throughout 2024 and 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCollum |first=Brian |date=15 September 2024 |title=All the songs Charli XCX and Troye Sivan sing on the Sweat tour: Setlist |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/09/15/charlie-xcx-setlist-brat-troye-sivan/75241924007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917005217/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/09/15/charlie-xcx-setlist-brat-troye-sivan/75241924007/ |archive-date=17 September 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> She performed "Sympathy Is a Knife" alongside "]" on '']'' in November 2024.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Vaillancourt |first1=William |date=17 November 2024 |title='SNL': Watch Charli XCX perform '360,' 'Sympathy Is a Knife' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/snl-watch-charli-xcx-perform-360-sympathy-is-a-knife-brat-1235169436/ |url-access=limited |access-date=17 November 2024 |magazine=]}}</ref> | ||
== |
== Music and lyrics == | ||
"Sympathy Is a Knife" |
"Sympathy Is a Knife" is 2 minutes and 31 seconds long.<ref name="amus">{{cite web |title=Sympathy is a knife - Song by Charli xcx |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/death-romance-single/1745538700 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607131027/https://music.apple.com/us/album/sympathy-is-a-knife/1739079974?i=1739080343 |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=16 December 2024 |publisher=] (US)}}</ref> It was classified as a ] track by publications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aroesti |first=Rachel |date=11 October 2024 |title=Charli xcx: Brat and It’s Completely Different But Also Still Brat review – her lime-green imperial phase is unstoppable |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/11/charli-xcx-brat-remix-album-billie-eilish-ariana-grande-lorde |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109183250/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/11/charli-xcx-brat-remix-album-billie-eilish-ariana-grande-lorde |archive-date=9 November 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=The 5 Best Songs Of The Week |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2268092/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week-535/lists/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614200127/https://www.stereogum.com/2268092/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week-535/lists/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week/ |archive-date=14 June 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Its energetic<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |date=3 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX Is Dancing on the Edge With 'Brat' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/charli-xcx-brat-review-1235031414/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603174704/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/charli-xcx-brat-review-1235031414/ |archive-date=3 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> production is dominated by ] and ].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Cinquemani |first=Sal |date=3 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX Brat Review: Existential Crisis on the Dance Floor |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/charli-xcx-brat-album-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603171300/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/charli-xcx-brat-album-review/ |archive-date=3 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Charli XCX's vocals are ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Helen |date=6 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX, BRAT review: Dance-pop star slips a little vulnerability into her clever, anarchic beats |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/charli-xcx-brat-review-b2557120.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606083701/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/charli-xcx-brat-review-b2557120.html |archive-date=6 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> and the stuttering beat is paired alongside distorted bass<ref name=":3" /> and ].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Eric |date=5 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX Triumphs Through Pop Catharsis on BRAT |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/charli-xcx/charli-xcx-triumphs-through-pop-catharsis-on-brat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605145240/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/charli-xcx/charli-xcx-triumphs-through-pop-catharsis-on-brat |archive-date=5 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> The track features a "raw" sound, one that was compared to the work of ] by '']''{{'s}} Nick Malone.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Malone |first=Nick |date=11 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX Is Everything on 'Brat' |url=https://www.popmatters.com/charli-xcx-brat-music-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611175534/https://www.popmatters.com/charli-xcx-brat-music-review |archive-date=11 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> For ], Abigail Firth called the synthesizers "jolting" and described the track as a "heavier, more arresting" version of Charli XCX's 2019 song "]".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Firth |first=Abigail |date=7 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX – BRAT |url=https://readdork.com/albums/charli-xcx-brat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607235736/https://readdork.com/albums/charli-xcx-brat/ |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Meaghan Garvey from ] said that the "] synths and modulated banshee howls sound most like the Charli we've known".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garvey |first=Meaghan |date=7 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX: BRAT Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/charli-xcx-brat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607052259/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/charli-xcx-brat/ |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> ] writer Rho Chung believed that the track marks the beginning of the album's twist.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Chung |first=Rho |date=7 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX – BRAT album review |url=https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/reviews/albums/charli-xcx-brat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607112618/https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/reviews/albums/charli-xcx-brat |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Ryan Bulbeck, writing for '']'', said the track has "deeper lyrics that dive into Charli's fears and concerns", and believed the track is "one of many on to meld ] bangers with reflective and at times incredibly personal lyricism".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bulbeck |first=Ryan |date=11 June 2024 |title=Album Review: Charli XCX – Brat |url=https://renownedforsound.com/album-review-charli-xcx-brat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613133800/https://renownedforsound.com/album-review-charli-xcx-brat/ |archive-date=13 June 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> According to Jake Viswanath of ], it was seen as a representation of one of the central themes of its parent album, as it deals with the singer's "complicated emotions about other women".<ref>{{cite web |last=Viswanath |first=Jake |date=18 June 2024 |title=Fans Think Charli xcx's "Sympathy Is A Knife" Is About Taylor Swift |url=https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/charli-xcx-sympathy-is-a-knife-lyrics-taylor-swift-theory |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618230406/https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/charli-xcx-sympathy-is-a-knife-lyrics-taylor-swift-theory |archive-date=18 June 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | ||
The lyrics of "Sympathy Is a Knife" reference ]<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> and comparing herself to somebody else.<ref name=":6" /> It is an introspective track that comments on Charli XCX's insecurities<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lamond |first=Ana |date=6 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX – Brat |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/charli-xcx-brat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606133818/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/charli-xcx-brat/ |archive-date=6 June 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> and ].<ref name=":6" /> It also reflects on her conflicted feelings and having a "voice in her head telling her she's not enough".<ref name=":4" /> The lyric "Don't wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend's show / fingers crossed behind my back / I hope they break up quick" was interpreted as being about Swift and Healy's relationship.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Gillis |first=Drew |date=7 June 2024 |title=brat is great |url=https://www.avclub.com/charli-xcx-brat-review-1851525960 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607174233/https://www.avclub.com/charli-xcx-brat-review-1851525960 |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=KiMi |date=26 August 2024 |title=Taylor Swift shuts down rumors of bad blood with Charli XCX |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/08/26/taylor-swift-charli-xcx-deny-feud-rumors/74957500007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827040455/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/08/26/taylor-swift-charli-xcx-deny-feud-rumors/74957500007/ |archive-date=27 August 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Though, Charli XCX praises the song's character, singing, "{{-'}}Cause I couldn't even be her if I tried / I'm opposite, I'm on the other side".<ref name=":0" /> Dakota West Foss from '']'' believed that the song's character "suspiciously matches Taylor Swift's description".<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Foss |first=Dakota West |date=7 June 2024 |title=Review: Charli XCX - Brat |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/88675/Charli-XCX-Brat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227041342/https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/88675/Charli-XCX-Brat/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> ]'s Eric Bennett thought that the song's lyrics are darker compared to other songs from the album.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
== Reception == | |||
Upon its release, "Sympathy Is a Knife" was received positively by critics. Chung called the track a "shockingly honest banger".<ref name=":10" /> For '']'', the writer Drew Gillis said that the "meat" of ''Brat'' is within Charli XCX's "own insecurity", and used lyrics from "Sympathy Is a Knife" as an example.<ref name=":11" /> Malone praised the album's engineering, saying, "Who wouldn't want their music to sound this juicy?", and gave the song's "dense and decadent" synth lines as an example.<ref name=":9" /> Bennett compared the track to the fellow album track "]", but said it "hits much harder".<ref name=":5" /> Brittany Spanos from '']'' called it "the first of several tracks that see her baring some of her most conflicted emotions over beats that never lose their energy".<ref name=":4" /> Writing for ], Austin Saalman thought it was a standout from ''Brat''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saalman |first=Austin |date=7 June 2024 |title=Charli XCX: Brat (Atlantic) - review |url=https://www.undertheradarmag.com/reviews/brat_charli_xcx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607133624/https://www.undertheradarmag.com/reviews/brat_charli_xcx |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> ] ranked the track 53rd in their list of the best songs of 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=200 Best Songs of 2024 |url=https://consequence.net/list/200-best-songs-of-2024-annual-report/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209144548/https://consequence.net/list/200-best-songs-of-2024-annual-report/ |archive-date=9 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> The track ranked 35th in a year-end readers poll published by ''Pitchfork''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pitchfork Staff |date=6 December 2024 |title=The Best Music of 2024, According to Pitchfork Readers |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/2024-readers-poll-results/ |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
"Sympathy Is a Knife" peaked at number 56 on the ],<ref name="Official Charts">{{Cite web |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20240614/7501/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718224119/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20240614/7501/ |archive-date=18 July 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> charting for two weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sympathy Is a Knife - Charli XCX Official Charts |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/charli-xcx-sympathy-is-a-knife/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109212914/https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/charli-xcx-sympathy-is-a-knife/ |archive-date=9 November 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> It peaked at number 10 on the ''Billboard'' Hot ] chart.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/charli-xcx/chart-history/dan/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623203123/https://www.billboard.com/artist/charli-xcx/chart-history/dan/ |archive-date=23 June 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=]}}</ref> On the ''Billboard'' auxiliary ] chart, it peaked at number seven.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-electronic-streaming-songs/2024-06-22/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227155638/https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-electronic-streaming-songs/2024-06-22/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> The track additionally peaked at number 18 in ]<ref name=":19" /> and number 21 in ].<ref>{{cite web |date=21 October 2024 |title=ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart |url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart/2024-10-21 |access-date=18 October 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> It received a gold ] from ] (MC) for sales of 40,000 units.<ref name="cacert" /> | |||
==Charts== | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" | |||
|+ Chart performance for "Sympathy Is a Knife" | |||
! scope="col"| Chart (2024) | |||
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Australia (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart/2024-10-21|title=ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart|publisher=]|date=21 October 2024|access-date=18 October 2024}}</ref> | |||
| 21 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| New Zealand (])<ref name=":19">{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/singles/2024-10-18|title=NZ Top 40 Singles Chart|publisher=]|date=21 October 2024|access-date=18 October 2024}}</ref> | |||
| 18 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Spain (])<ref>{{Citation |last=Música |first=El portal de |title=SYMPATHY IS A KNIFE - CHARLI XCX {{!}} EPDM |url=https://www.elportaldemusica.es/single/charli-xcx-sympathy-is-a-knife |access-date=2024-10-22 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| 81 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| ] (])<ref name="Official Charts" /> | |||
| 56 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| US ] (])<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/charli-xcx/chart-history/dan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623203123/https://www.billboard.com/artist/charli-xcx/chart-history/dan/ |archive-date=23 June 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
| 10 | |||
|} | |||
== Certifications == | |||
{{Certification Table Top}} | |||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=single|artist=Charli XCX|title=Sympathy is a Knife|award=Gold|relyear=2004|certyear=2024|access-date=December 20, 2024|refname=cacert}} | |||
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}} | |||
==Ariana Grande remix{{anchor|Remix}}== | ==Ariana Grande remix{{anchor|Remix}}== | ||
Line 66: | Line 109: | ||
}} | }} | ||
Charli XCX announced the remix album of ''Brat'', titled '']'', on 12 September 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/charli-xcx-announces-full-brat-remix-album-enlists-troye-sivan-for-new-talk-talk-listen/|title=Charli XCX Announces Full ''Brat'' Remix Album, Enlists Troye Sivan for New "Talk Talk": Listen|last=Monroe|first=Jazz|website=]|date=12 September 2024|access-date=11 October 2024}}</ref> On 6 October, she revealed a sample of the lyrics from the "Sympathy Is a Knife" remix on her social media, alongside a link to pre-order the album. ] shared the same lyrics to her Instagram story, hinting at a collaboration.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ariana-grande-charli-xcx-sympathy-is-a-knife-remix-lyrics-1235794162/|title=Ariana Grande, Charli XCX Tease "Sympathy Is a Knife" Remix With New Lyrics|last=Iasimone|first=Ashley|magazine=]|date=6 October 2024|access-date=11 October 2024}}</ref> In an interview with ] for ], Charli XCX opened up about her relationship with Grande and how the rollout of ''Brat'' changed her as a person. The remix with Grande in particular made her realise that one is "only really knowledgeable about own position", a feeling she thought was more known by Grande than herself.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/charli-xcx-on-the-new-meaning-behind-sympathy-is-a-knife-remix-how-ariana-grande-embodies-it-8724581|title=Charli xcx on the New Meaning Behind the "Sympathy Is a Knife" Remix — and How Ariana Grande Embodies It (Exclusive)|last=Avila|first=Daniela|website=]|date=7 October 2024|access-date=11 October 2024}}</ref> ''Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat'' was released through Atlantic Records on 11 October 2024, with the "Sympathy Is a Knife" remix serving as its third track.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossignol |first=Derrick |date=7 October 2024 |title=Charli XCX Finally Unveiled Her Stacked 'Brat' Remix Album Tracklist In Full (Or Had Somebody Else Do It, Rather) |url=https://uproxx.com/pop/charli-xcx-tracklist-brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007143709/https://uproxx.com/pop/charli-xcx-tracklist-brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> The day before the album's release, Charli XCX performed the remix version at ] for a listening party.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Dodson |first=P. Claire |date=11 October 2024 |title=Listen to Charli XCX, Ariana Grande Talk Rumors, Fame on 'Sympathy is a knife' Brat Remix |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/listen-to-charli-xcx-ariana-grande-sympathy-is-a-knife-brat-remix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204144641/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/listen-to-charli-xcx-ariana-grande-sympathy-is-a-knife-brat-remix |archive-date=4 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
=== Background === | |||
Charli XCX announced the remix album of ''Brat'', titled '']'', on 12 September 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/charli-xcx-announces-full-brat-remix-album-enlists-troye-sivan-for-new-talk-talk-listen/|title=Charli XCX Announces Full ''Brat'' Remix Album, Enlists Troye Sivan for New "Talk Talk": Listen|last=Monroe|first=Jazz|website=]|date=12 September 2024|access-date=11 October 2024}}</ref> On 6 October, XCX revealed a sample of the lyrics from the "Sympathy Is a Knife" remix on her social media, alongside a link to pre-order the album. Grande shared the same lyrics to her Instagram story, hinting at a collaboration.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ariana-grande-charli-xcx-sympathy-is-a-knife-remix-lyrics-1235794162/|title=Ariana Grande, Charli XCX Tease "Sympathy Is a Knife" Remix With New Lyrics|last=Iasimone|first=Ashley|magazine=]|date=6 October 2024|access-date=11 October 2024}}</ref> In an interview with ] for ], Charli XCX opened up about her relationship with Grande and how the rollout of ''Brat'' changed her as a person. The remix with Grande in particular made her realise that one is "only really knowledgeable about own position", a feeling she thought was more known by Grande than herself.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/charli-xcx-on-the-new-meaning-behind-sympathy-is-a-knife-remix-how-ariana-grande-embodies-it-8724581|title=Charli xcx on the New Meaning Behind the "Sympathy Is a Knife" Remix — and How Ariana Grande Embodies It (Exclusive)|last=Avila|first=Daniela|website=]|date=7 October 2024|access-date=11 October 2024}}</ref> | |||
=== Composition and lyrics === | === Composition and lyrics === | ||
As opposed to the original version of "Sympathy Is a Knife", the remix with Grande deals with being in the |
As opposed to the original version of "Sympathy Is a Knife", the remix with Grande deals with being in the public eye and takes in the themes of public perception and scrutiny from the public, press, and faux friends.<ref name=":18">{{cite web|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a62558796/ariana-grande-charli-xcx-sympathy-is-a-knife-lyrics-meaning/|title=Ariana Grande and Charli XCX's "Sympathy Is a Knife" Remix Is a Response to Public Scrutiny|last=Gonzales|first=Erica|website=]|date=11 October 2024|access-date=11 October 2024}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Aneesa |date=14 October 2024 |title=Charli XCX – 'Brat And It’s Completely Different But Also Still Brat' review: a masterpiece in the art of club music curatorship |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/charli-xcx-brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat-review-a-masterpiece-in-the-art-of-club-music-curatorship-3802412 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108223435/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/charli-xcx-brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat-review-a-masterpiece-in-the-art-of-club-music-curatorship-3802412 |archive-date=8 November 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Carson Mlnarik of '']'' described the remix as "more confident, albeit exasperated, perspective" than the original. Over a "synth-y, glitchier, and handclap-driven" instrumental, the artists exchange verses about rumours and how they refuse to address them, a stance that was compared to Grande's "]", released earlier in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/charli-xcx-ariana-grande-sympathy-is-a-knife-remix-lyrics-meaning|title=Unpacking Charli XCX & Ariana Grande's "Sympathy Is a Knife" remix|last=Mlnarik|first=Carson|website=]|date=11 October 2024|access-date=11 October 2024}}</ref> Critics specifically found the line "It's a knife when you're so pretty they think it must be fake / It's a knife when they dissect your body on the front page" to be reminiscent of the track.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cinquemani |first=Sal |date=11 October 2024 |title=Review: Charli XCX's 'Brat' Remix Album Offers a Self-Reflexive, 360-Degree View of Pop Stardom |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/charli-xcx-brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat-remix-album-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113014614/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/charli-xcx-brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat-remix-album-review/ |archive-date=13 November 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> The track contains sharp synthesizers and chopped-up vocals.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Steiner |first=Andy |date=13 October 2024 |title=On Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat, Charli xcx Twists and Subverts the Remix Album Concept |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/charli-xcx/brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat-charli-xcx-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109183304/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/charli-xcx/brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat-charli-xcx-review |archive-date=9 November 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> On the song, the two trade lines about the betrayals they experienced in the music industry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |date=4 December 2024 |title=Charli XCX Opens Up About Getting Advice From Ariana Grande & Bonding Over 'Sympathy Is a Knife' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/charli-xcx-ariana-grande-advice-sympathy-is-a-knife-1235844591/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205030445/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/charli-xcx-ariana-grande-advice-sympathy-is-a-knife-1235844591/ |archive-date=5 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> In its final 30 seconds, its sounds become distorted, like a "radio signal drawing listeners into the dilemma by creating a sense of discord", according to Bain.<ref name=":15" /> Phares said it showcases Charli XCX and Grande "finding solidarity in dealing with impossible demands and beauty standards".<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Phares |first=Heather |title=Brat and It's Completely Different But Also St... |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat-mw0004373353 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112194024/https://www.allmusic.com/album/brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat-mw0004373353 |archive-date=12 November 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> '']''{{'s}} Aneesa Ahmed said it reflects "the influence of post-''Brat'' mega-fame.<ref name=":17" /> | ||
===Critical reception=== | |||
==Charts== | |||
The remix version with Grande received positive critical reviews. ]'s Heather Phares said that Grande's appearance "feels perfectly natural".<ref name=":13" /> ], writing for ''Rolling Stone'', believed that Grande "fits right into" the track.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Sheffield |first=Rob |author-link=Rob Sheffield |date=11 October 2024 |title=Charli XCX Keeps the Brat Revolution Rolling With 'Brat And It's Completely Different But Also Still Brat' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/charli-xcx-brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat-review-1235132340/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241013111826/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/charli-xcx-brat-and-its-completely-different-but-also-still-brat-review-1235132340/ |archive-date=13 October 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> P. Claire Dodson, for '']'', said the track is "an appropriate remix for Grande to jump on".<ref name=":12" /> In a ranking of the songs from ''Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat'', Solomon Pace-McCarrick from '']'' ranked the track second. He named it a standout from the remix album and considered it "the first true anthem from ''Brat'' autumn".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pace-McCarick |first1=Solomon |date=11 October 2024 |title=Ranking the Charli xcx Brat remixes |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/64841/1/ranking-the-charli-xcx-brat-remixes |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=]}}</ref> ]{{'s}} Lisa Wright also ranked it second, writing, "it's the one that feels the most hot off the presses", and said it is "underscored by a fellow star who's been through that wringer many times over".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wright |first1=Lisa |date=11 October 2024 |title='Brat and it's completely different but also still brat': ranking the remixes |url=https://diymag.com/feature/charli-xcx-brat-remixes-ranking |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=]}}</ref> For ], Katie Bain considered it the third best track on the remix album. She called it the album's most anticipated song and praised its harmonies.<ref name=":15">{{cite magazine |last1=Bain |first1=Katie |date=11 October 2024 |title=Charli XCX's 'Brat & It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat': All 16 Remixes Ranked |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/charli-xcx-brat-remix-songs-ranked/ |access-date=29 December 2024 |magazine=]}}</ref> Maria Sherman of the ] considered it the fourth best.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sherman |first1=Maria |date=12 October 2024 |title=Music Review: Charli XCX's 'Brat and it's completely different but also still brat' remixes, ranked |url=https://apnews.com/article/charli-xcx-billie-eilish-lorde-troye-sivan-bon-iver-music-review-ranking-1470dd5f05aa8a412a08e5565611f941 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=]}}</ref> Andy Steiner of ''Paste'' believed that it leans too much into the " 'fame is prison'-type narrative", and criticised Grande's use of "unspecific language and kiss offs". Though, she praised its production, writing, "the piercing synths and chopped-up vocals give it a necessary anxious edge".<ref name=":16" /> | |||
===Commercial performance=== | |||
The remix version peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart and charted for 12 weeks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20241018/7501/ |access-date=18 October 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> It charted for two weeks on the ], debuting at number 36.<ref>{{cite web |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/charli-xcx/chart-history/hsi/ |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Charting for 29 weeks, it peaked at number two on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Official Singles Chart Top 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/charli-xcx/chart-history/dan/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213173151/https://www.billboard.com/artist/charli-xcx/chart-history/dan/ |archive-date=13 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> On the auxiliary Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs chart, it peaked at number one,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-electronic-streaming-songs/2024-10-26/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227184543/https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-electronic-streaming-songs/2024-10-26/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> and peaked at number two on the ] chart.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-electronic-digital-song-sales/2024-10-26/ |url-status=live |access-date=27 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> In the ], the track charted for two weeks, peaking at number 38.<ref>{{cite web |title=Charli XCX Chart History (Canadian Hot 100) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/charli-xcx/chart-history/can/ |access-date=22 October 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
===Charts=== | |||
{{col-begin}} | {{col-begin}} | ||
{{col 2}} | {{col 2}} | ||
=== Weekly charts === | ==== Weekly charts ==== | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" | ||
|+ Weekly chart performance for "Sympathy Is a Knife" | |+ Weekly chart performance for "Sympathy Is a Knife featuring Ariana Grande" | ||
! scope="col"| Chart (2024) | |||
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Australia (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart/2024-10-21|title=ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart|publisher=]|date=21 October 2024|access-date=18 October 2024}}</ref> | |||
| 21 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| New Zealand (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/singles/2024-10-18|title=NZ Top 40 Singles Chart|publisher=]|date=21 October 2024|access-date=18 October 2024}}</ref> | |||
| 18 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Spain (])<ref>{{Citation |last=Música |first=El portal de |title=SYMPATHY IS A KNIFE - CHARLI XCX {{!}} EPDM |url=https://www.elportaldemusica.es/single/charli-xcx-sympathy-is-a-knife |access-date=2024-10-22 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| 81 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| ] (])<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20240614/7501/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718224119/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20240614/7501/ |archive-date=18 July 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| 56 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| US ] (])<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/charli-xcx/chart-history/dan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623203123/https://www.billboard.com/artist/charli-xcx/chart-history/dan/ |archive-date=23 June 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
| 10 | |||
|} | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" | |||
|+ Chart performance for "Sympathy Is a Knife featuring Ariana Grande" | |||
! scope="col"| Chart (2024) | ! scope="col"| Chart (2024) | ||
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position | ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position | ||
Line 145: | Line 172: | ||
{{col 2}} | {{col 2}} | ||
===Monthly charts=== | ====Monthly charts==== | ||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" | ||
|+ Monthly chart performance for "Sympathy Is a Knife featuring Ariana Grande" | |+ Monthly chart performance for "Sympathy Is a Knife featuring Ariana Grande" | ||
Line 157: | Line 184: | ||
{{col-end}} | {{col-end}} | ||
== |
===Certifications=== | ||
{{Certification Table Top}} | {{Certification Table Top}} | ||
{{Certification Table Entry|region= |
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Charli XCX Ft Ariana Grande|title=Sympathy is a Knife|award=Silver|relyear=2024|certyear=2025|access-date=3 January 2025|id=20672-7046-1}} | ||
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}} | {{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}} | ||
== Personnel == | |||
=== Original version === | |||
Credits are adapted from the ] of ''Brat''.<ref name="Album Credits" /> | |||
* ] – songwriting, production, vocals | |||
* ] – songwriting, production, vocal engineering | |||
* ] – songwriting, vocal engineering | |||
* ] – ] | |||
* Idania Valencia – ] | |||
* ] – mastering | |||
=== Remix version === | |||
Credits are adapted from ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brat and it's completely different but also still brat / Charli xcx / Credits |url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/392263934/credits?trackId=392263937 |url-status=live |access-date=December 31, 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
* Charli XCX – songwriting, production, executive producer, vocals | |||
* ] – songwriting, featured vocals | |||
* Finn Keane – songwriting, production, remixing, vocal engineer | |||
* Jon Shave – songwriting, vocal engineering | |||
* Tom Norris – mixing | |||
* Idania Valencia – mastering | |||
==References== | ==References== |
Revision as of 21:42, 5 January 2025
2024 song by Charli XCX
"Sympathy Is a Knife" | |
---|---|
Song by Charli XCX | |
from the album Brat | |
Released | 7 June 2024 (2024-06-07) |
Studio | Sleeper Sounds (London) |
Genre | Synth-pop |
Length | 2:31 |
Label | Atlantic |
Songwriter(s) | |
Producer(s) |
|
Lyric video | |
"Sympathy Is a Knife" on YouTube | |
"Sympathy Is a Knife" is a song by the English singer Charli XCX from her sixth studio album, Brat, released through Atlantic Records. She wrote and produced it with Finn Keane, while Jon Shave provided additional songwriting. A synth-pop track driven by synthesizers and vocoded vocals, it was written about self-comparison, paranoia, insecurities, and suicidal ideation.
Upon its release, fans speculated that the track was written about Taylor Swift and her relationship with Matty Healy of the 1975. This speculation was amplified by Swift reissuing her album The Tortured Poets Department (2024) in the United Kingdom a week after Brat's release, blocking it from reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart. Following this, the audience at Charli XCX's DJ set in São Paulo chanted "Taylor is dead!", which she condemned. She also later debunked the speculation of the track's subject, expressing that the track was written about anxiety, insecurities, and situational self-doubt, and Swift later praised Charli XCX in an interview with Vulture.
A remix version featuring Ariana Grande was released on 11 October 2024, from the remix album Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat. As opposed to the original version, the remix deals with the pitfalls of being in the public eye. The remix, as well as the original version, received positive reviews from critics. Many publications believed the remix was one of the album's best, and the original version was included in Consequence's list of the best songs of 2024. Both versions charted in various countries; the original received a gold certification from Music Canada (MC). Charli XCX included the song in the setlist of her Sweat tour with Troye Sivan throughout 2024 and 2025, and performed it on Saturday Night Live in November 2024.
Background and recording
"Sympathy Is a Knife" was speculated by fans to be about the relationship between Taylor Swift (left) and Matty Healy (right).Upon the release of Charli XCX's sixth studio album Brat, fans speculated that "Sympathy Is a Knife" was written about the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and her ex-boyfriend, Matty Healy of the 1975. During 2018, she was an opening act for Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour, as well as appeared in the 1989 World Tour (2015). Though there had been no public feud between Charli XCX and Swift prior to the song's release, fans thought that the mention of Charli XCX's fiancé George Daniel, also of the 1975, meant it was written about Swift's relationship with Healy. Despite the speculation, Charli XCX confirmed that there were no "diss tracks" on Brat, and denied that it was written about Swift. The week following Brat's release, Swift released a reissue of her album The Tortured Poets Department (2024), only available in the United Kingdom, which fans thought was an intentional effort to block Brat from reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart.
During a DJ set Charli XCX was playing at in São Paulo during June 2024, the audience chanted "Taylor is dead!". She later criticised the people who chanted the phrase on her Instagram story, by asking her fans to stop, and saying that she "will not tolerate it". In an August 2024 interview with Vulture, she expressed that "people are gonna think what they want to think" and stated that "Sympathy Is a Knife" is about her anxiety, insecurities, and wanting to avoid situations that make her feel self-doubt. In the same interview, Swift lauded Charli XCX's musical sensibilities, called her writing "surreal and inventive, always", and that she enjoys seeing the results of Charli XCX's hard work. She further praised Charli XCX's ability to " a song to places you wouldn't expect it to go" and the fact that "she's been doing it consistently for over a decade".
"Sympathy Is a Knife" was recorded at Sleeper Sounds in London. It was written and produced by Charli XCX and Finn Keane, while Jon Shave provided additional songwriting. Idania Valencia and Randy Merrill mastered the track at Sterling Sound in Edgewater, New Jersey, while Tom Norris handled the track's mixing. Keane and Shave engineered Charli XCX's vocals.
Release and live performances
"Sympathy Is a Knife" is the third track on Brat, which was released by Atlantic Records on 7 June 2024. It was released alongside a lyric video. Charli XCX included the track in her set list of the Sweat tour with Troye Sivan throughout 2024 and 2025. She performed "Sympathy Is a Knife" alongside "360" on Saturday Night Live in November 2024.
Music and lyrics
"Sympathy Is a Knife" is 2 minutes and 31 seconds long. It was classified as a synth-pop track by publications. Its energetic production is dominated by synthesizers and hand claps. Charli XCX's vocals are vocoded, and the stuttering beat is paired alongside distorted bass and drum machines. The track features a "raw" sound, one that was compared to the work of Camila Cabello by PopMatters's Nick Malone. For Dork, Abigail Firth called the synthesizers "jolting" and described the track as a "heavier, more arresting" version of Charli XCX's 2019 song "Gone". Meaghan Garvey from Pitchfork said that the "buzzsaw synths and modulated banshee howls sound most like the Charli we've known". The Skinny writer Rho Chung believed that the track marks the beginning of the album's twist. Ryan Bulbeck, writing for Renowned for Sound, said the track has "deeper lyrics that dive into Charli's fears and concerns", and believed the track is "one of many on to meld club bangers with reflective and at times incredibly personal lyricism". According to Jake Viswanath of Bustle, it was seen as a representation of one of the central themes of its parent album, as it deals with the singer's "complicated emotions about other women".
The lyrics of "Sympathy Is a Knife" reference paranoia and comparing herself to somebody else. It is an introspective track that comments on Charli XCX's insecurities and suicidal ideation. It also reflects on her conflicted feelings and having a "voice in her head telling her she's not enough". The lyric "Don't wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend's show / fingers crossed behind my back / I hope they break up quick" was interpreted as being about Swift and Healy's relationship. Though, Charli XCX praises the song's character, singing, "'Cause I couldn't even be her if I tried / I'm opposite, I'm on the other side". Dakota West Foss from Sputnikmusic believed that the song's character "suspiciously matches Taylor Swift's description". Paste's Eric Bennett thought that the song's lyrics are darker compared to other songs from the album.
Reception
Upon its release, "Sympathy Is a Knife" was received positively by critics. Chung called the track a "shockingly honest banger". For The A.V. Club, the writer Drew Gillis said that the "meat" of Brat is within Charli XCX's "own insecurity", and used lyrics from "Sympathy Is a Knife" as an example. Malone praised the album's engineering, saying, "Who wouldn't want their music to sound this juicy?", and gave the song's "dense and decadent" synth lines as an example. Bennett compared the track to the fellow album track "Girl, So Confusing", but said it "hits much harder". Brittany Spanos from Rolling Stone called it "the first of several tracks that see her baring some of her most conflicted emotions over beats that never lose their energy". Writing for Under the Radar, Austin Saalman thought it was a standout from Brat. Consequence ranked the track 53rd in their list of the best songs of 2024. The track ranked 35th in a year-end readers poll published by Pitchfork.
"Sympathy Is a Knife" peaked at number 56 on the UK Singles Chart, charting for two weeks. It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. On the Billboard auxiliary Dance/Electronic Songs chart, it peaked at number seven. The track additionally peaked at number 18 in New Zealand and number 21 in Australia. It received a gold certification from Music Canada (MC) for sales of 40,000 units.
Charts
Chart (2024) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA) | 21 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 18 |
Spain (PROMUSICAE) | 81 |
UK Singles (OCC) | 56 |
US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard) | 10 |
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Canada (Music Canada) | Gold | 40,000 |
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Ariana Grande remix
"Sympathy Is a Knife featuring Ariana Grande" | |
---|---|
Remix by Charli XCX featuring Ariana Grande | |
from the album Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat | |
Released | 11 October 2024 (2024-10-11) |
Length | 2:34 |
Label | Atlantic |
Songwriter(s) | |
Producer(s) |
|
Audio video | |
"Sympathy Is a Knife featuring Ariana Grande" on YouTube | |
Charli XCX announced the remix album of Brat, titled Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat, on 12 September 2024. On 6 October, she revealed a sample of the lyrics from the "Sympathy Is a Knife" remix on her social media, alongside a link to pre-order the album. Ariana Grande shared the same lyrics to her Instagram story, hinting at a collaboration. In an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, Charli XCX opened up about her relationship with Grande and how the rollout of Brat changed her as a person. The remix with Grande in particular made her realise that one is "only really knowledgeable about own position", a feeling she thought was more known by Grande than herself. Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat was released through Atlantic Records on 11 October 2024, with the "Sympathy Is a Knife" remix serving as its third track. The day before the album's release, Charli XCX performed the remix version at Storm King Art Center for a listening party.
Composition and lyrics
As opposed to the original version of "Sympathy Is a Knife", the remix with Grande deals with being in the public eye and takes in the themes of public perception and scrutiny from the public, press, and faux friends. Carson Mlnarik of Nylon described the remix as "more confident, albeit exasperated, perspective" than the original. Over a "synth-y, glitchier, and handclap-driven" instrumental, the artists exchange verses about rumours and how they refuse to address them, a stance that was compared to Grande's "Yes, And?", released earlier in 2024. Critics specifically found the line "It's a knife when you're so pretty they think it must be fake / It's a knife when they dissect your body on the front page" to be reminiscent of the track. The track contains sharp synthesizers and chopped-up vocals. On the song, the two trade lines about the betrayals they experienced in the music industry. In its final 30 seconds, its sounds become distorted, like a "radio signal drawing listeners into the dilemma by creating a sense of discord", according to Bain. Phares said it showcases Charli XCX and Grande "finding solidarity in dealing with impossible demands and beauty standards". NME's Aneesa Ahmed said it reflects "the influence of post-Brat mega-fame.
Critical reception
The remix version with Grande received positive critical reviews. AllMusic's Heather Phares said that Grande's appearance "feels perfectly natural". Rob Sheffield, writing for Rolling Stone, believed that Grande "fits right into" the track. P. Claire Dodson, for Teen Vogue, said the track is "an appropriate remix for Grande to jump on". In a ranking of the songs from Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat, Solomon Pace-McCarrick from Dazed ranked the track second. He named it a standout from the remix album and considered it "the first true anthem from Brat autumn". DIY's Lisa Wright also ranked it second, writing, "it's the one that feels the most hot off the presses", and said it is "underscored by a fellow star who's been through that wringer many times over". For Billboard, Katie Bain considered it the third best track on the remix album. She called it the album's most anticipated song and praised its harmonies. Maria Sherman of the Associated Press considered it the fourth best. Andy Steiner of Paste believed that it leans too much into the " 'fame is prison'-type narrative", and criticised Grande's use of "unspecific language and kiss offs". Though, she praised its production, writing, "the piercing synths and chopped-up vocals give it a necessary anxious edge".
Commercial performance
The remix version peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart and charted for 12 weeks. It charted for two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 36. Charting for 29 weeks, it peaked at number two on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. On the auxiliary Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs chart, it peaked at number one, and peaked at number two on the Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart. In the Canadian Hot 100, the track charted for two weeks, peaking at number 38.
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Monthly charts
|
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
United Kingdom (BPI) | Silver | 200,000 |
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Personnel
Original version
Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Brat.
- Charli XCX – songwriting, production, vocals
- Finn Keane – songwriting, production, vocal engineering
- Jon Shave – songwriting, vocal engineering
- Tom Norris – mixing
- Idania Valencia – mastering
- Randy Merrill – mastering
Remix version
Credits are adapted from Tidal.
- Charli XCX – songwriting, production, executive producer, vocals
- Ariana Grande – songwriting, featured vocals
- Finn Keane – songwriting, production, remixing, vocal engineer
- Jon Shave – songwriting, vocal engineering
- Tom Norris – mixing
- Idania Valencia – mastering
References
- ^ Kile, Meredith B. (7 June 2024). "Why Fans Think Taylor Swift Is Referenced in Charli XCX's 'Sympathy Is a Knife' Song". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ Curto, Justin (7 June 2024). "Sounds Like Charli XCX Wasn't Rooting for Taylor and Matty". Vulture. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ Jibril, Halima (14 June 2024). "Why do people think Taylor Swift is sabotaging Charli XCX?". Dazed. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ Gonzales, Erica (11 October 2024). "Ariana Grande and Charli XCX's "Sympathy Is a Knife" Remix Is a Response to Public Scrutiny". Elle. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- Pilley, Max (17 June 2024). "Taylor Swift kept Charli XCX from Number One with new UK-only editions of 'The Tortured Poets Department'". NME. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Pilley, Max (24 June 2024). "Charli XCX criticises fans for shouting "Taylor Swift is dead" at her gig". NME. Archived from the original on 24 June 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- Carson, Lexi (23 June 2024). "Charli XCX Calls Out Fans Chanting 'Taylor Swift Is Dead' At Her Shows: 'Please Stop'". Variety. Archived from the original on 23 June 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- Colyar, Brooke (26 August 2024). "Charli XCX Will Turn Brat Summer Into Brat Fall". Vulture. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ Atlantic Records (2024). Brat (Vinyl liner notes). Charli XCX. Atlantic Records. 075678611674.
- Armstrong, Megan (5 June 2024). "Charli XCX's New Album 'Brat': Everything To Know, Including The Release Date, Tracklist & More". Uproxx. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
- ^ "The 5 Best Songs Of The Week". Stereogum. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
- McCollum, Brian (15 September 2024). "All the songs Charli XCX and Troye Sivan sing on the Sweat tour: Setlist". USA Today. Archived from the original on 17 September 2024. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
- Vaillancourt, William (17 November 2024). "'SNL': Watch Charli XCX perform '360,' 'Sympathy Is a Knife'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- "Sympathy is a knife - Song by Charli xcx". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- Aroesti, Rachel (11 October 2024). "Charli xcx: Brat and It's Completely Different But Also Still Brat review – her lime-green imperial phase is unstoppable". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 9 November 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ Spanos, Brittany (3 June 2024). "Charli XCX Is Dancing on the Edge With 'Brat'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ Cinquemani, Sal (3 June 2024). "Charli XCX Brat Review: Existential Crisis on the Dance Floor". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Brown, Helen (6 June 2024). "Charli XCX, BRAT review: Dance-pop star slips a little vulnerability into her clever, anarchic beats". The Independent. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ Bennett, Eric (5 June 2024). "Charli XCX Triumphs Through Pop Catharsis on BRAT". Paste. Archived from the original on 5 June 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ Malone, Nick (11 June 2024). "Charli XCX Is Everything on 'Brat'". PopMatters. Archived from the original on 11 June 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ Firth, Abigail (7 June 2024). "Charli XCX – BRAT". Dork. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Garvey, Meaghan (7 June 2024). "Charli XCX: BRAT Album Review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ Chung, Rho (7 June 2024). "Charli XCX – BRAT album review". The Skinny. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- Bulbeck, Ryan (11 June 2024). "Album Review: Charli XCX – Brat". Renowned for Sound. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- Viswanath, Jake (18 June 2024). "Fans Think Charli xcx's "Sympathy Is A Knife" Is About Taylor Swift". Bustle. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- Lamond, Ana (6 June 2024). "Charli XCX – Brat". Clash. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ Gillis, Drew (7 June 2024). "brat is great". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- Robinson, KiMi (26 August 2024). "Taylor Swift shuts down rumors of bad blood with Charli XCX". USA Today. Archived from the original on 27 August 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- Foss, Dakota West (7 June 2024). "Review: Charli XCX - Brat". Sputnikmusic. Archived from the original on 27 December 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- Saalman, Austin (7 June 2024). "Charli XCX: Brat (Atlantic) - review". Under the Radar. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- "200 Best Songs of 2024". Consequence. Archived from the original on 9 December 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- Pitchfork Staff (6 December 2024). "The Best Music of 2024, According to Pitchfork Readers". Pitchfork. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 18 July 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- "Sympathy Is a Knife - Charli XCX Official Charts". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 9 November 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on 23 June 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- "Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on 27 December 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ "Canadian single certifications – Charli XCX – Sympathy is a Knife". Music Canada. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- Música, El portal de, SYMPATHY IS A KNIFE - CHARLI XCX | EPDM, retrieved 22 October 2024
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on 23 June 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- Monroe, Jazz (12 September 2024). "Charli XCX Announces Full Brat Remix Album, Enlists Troye Sivan for New "Talk Talk": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- Iasimone, Ashley (6 October 2024). "Ariana Grande, Charli XCX Tease "Sympathy Is a Knife" Remix With New Lyrics". Billboard. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- Avila, Daniela (7 October 2024). "Charli xcx on the New Meaning Behind the "Sympathy Is a Knife" Remix — and How Ariana Grande Embodies It (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- Rossignol, Derrick (7 October 2024). "Charli XCX Finally Unveiled Her Stacked 'Brat' Remix Album Tracklist In Full (Or Had Somebody Else Do It, Rather)". Uproxx. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ Dodson, P. Claire (11 October 2024). "Listen to Charli XCX, Ariana Grande Talk Rumors, Fame on 'Sympathy is a knife' Brat Remix". Teen Vogue. Archived from the original on 4 December 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ Ahmed, Aneesa (14 October 2024). "Charli XCX – 'Brat And It's Completely Different But Also Still Brat' review: a masterpiece in the art of club music curatorship". NME. Archived from the original on 8 November 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- Mlnarik, Carson (11 October 2024). "Unpacking Charli XCX & Ariana Grande's "Sympathy Is a Knife" remix". Nylon. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ Sheffield, Rob (11 October 2024). "Charli XCX Keeps the Brat Revolution Rolling With 'Brat And It's Completely Different But Also Still Brat'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 13 October 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- Cinquemani, Sal (11 October 2024). "Review: Charli XCX's 'Brat' Remix Album Offers a Self-Reflexive, 360-Degree View of Pop Stardom". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on 13 November 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ Steiner, Andy (13 October 2024). "On Brat and it's completely different but also still brat, Charli xcx Twists and Subverts the Remix Album Concept". Paste. Archived from the original on 9 November 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- Dailey, Hannah (4 December 2024). "Charli XCX Opens Up About Getting Advice From Ariana Grande & Bonding Over 'Sympathy Is a Knife'". Billboard. Archived from the original on 5 December 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ Bain, Katie (11 October 2024). "Charli XCX's 'Brat & It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat': All 16 Remixes Ranked". Billboard. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ Phares, Heather. "Brat and It's Completely Different But Also St..." AllMusic. Archived from the original on 12 November 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- Pace-McCarick, Solomon (11 October 2024). "Ranking the Charli xcx Brat remixes". Dazed. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- Wright, Lisa (11 October 2024). "'Brat and it's completely different but also still brat': ranking the remixes". DIY. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- Sherman, Maria (12 October 2024). "Music Review: Charli XCX's 'Brat and it's completely different but also still brat' remixes, ranked". Associated Press. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Billboard. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ""Official Singles Chart Top 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on 13 December 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- "Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on 27 December 2024. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- "Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "Charli XCX Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- "Charli XCX feat. Ariana Grande – Sympathy Is a Knife" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
- "Charli XCX Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- "Tops de la semaine | Top Singles – Semaine du 18 octobre 2024" (in French). Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- "Charli XCX feat. Ariana Grande – Sympathy Is a Knife" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- "Charli XCX Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- "IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Εβδομάδα: 42/2024". www.ifpi.gr. Archived from the original on 23 October 2024. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
- "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Weekly Chart: Oct 31, 2024". TopHit. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- "Charli XCX feat. Ariana Grande – Sympathy Is a Knife" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
- "TOP AFP/AUDIOGEST – Semana 42 de 2024 – 11/10/2024 até 17/10/2024" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 42". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- "Charli XCX feat. Ariana Grande – Sympathy Is a Knife". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Billboard. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- "Charli XCX Chart History (Hot Dance/Electronic Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Monthly Chart: October 2024". TopHit. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- "British single certifications – Charli XCX Ft Ariana Grande – Sympathy is a Knife". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- "Brat and it's completely different but also still brat / Charli xcx / Credits". Tidal. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
Charli XCX | |
---|---|
Studio albums | |
Mixtapes | |
Soundtrack albums | |
Remix albums | |
Extended plays | |
Singles |
|
Featured singles |
|
Promotional singles |
|
Other songs |
|
Concert tours | |
Related articles |