Sympathy Is a Knife
| "Sympathy Is a Knife" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Charli XCX | |
| from the album Brat | |
| Released | 7 June 2024 |
| Length | 2:31 |
| Label | Atlantic |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) |
|
"Sympathy Is a Knife" is a song by English singer Charli XCX. It was released on 7 June 2024 through Atlantic Records as the third track from her sixth studio album, Brat. Written and produced by Charli XCX herself and long-time collaborator Finn Keane, better known as Easyfun, the former bares her thoughts on a woman that evokes feelings "doubt and insecurity" in herself on the song. 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".[1]
Upon release, the song peaked at 56 on the UK Singles Chart, as well as the top 10 on the US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Later on, it debuted at number 18 on the New Zealand singles chart.
Ariana Grande remix
[edit]| "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 |
| Length | 2:34 |
| Label | Atlantic |
| Songwriter(s) |
|
| Producer(s) |
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Charli XCX announced the remix album of Brat, titled Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat, on 12 September 2024.[2] On 6 October, XCX revealed lyrics of the "Sympathy Is a Knife" remix on her social media, both of which features links to pre-order the album. Grande shared the lyrics via her Instagram story, hinting at a collaboration.[3] In an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, 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 [your] own position", a feeling she thought was moreso known by Grande than herself.[4]
As opposed to the original version, the remix with Grande deals with a certain part of being in the spotlight and especially takes in the themes of public perception and scrutiny.[5] 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.[6]
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[7] | 21 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[8] | 18 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[9] | 56 |
| US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[10] | 10 |
| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Germany (GfK)[11] | 70 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[12] | 7 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100)[13] | 95 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[14] | 61 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[15] | 7 |
References
[edit]- ^ Viswanath, Jake (18 June 2024). "Fans Think Charli xcx's "Sympathy Is A Knife" Is About Taylor Swift". Bustle. 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Mlnarik, Carson (11 October 2024). "Unpacking Charli XCX & Ariana Grande's "Sympathy Is a Knife" remix". Nylon. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ "Charli XCX Chart History (Hot Dance/Electronic Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ "Charli XCX feat. Ariana Grande – {{{song}}}" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ "Charli XCX feat. Ariana Grande – {{{song}}}" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 42". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 October 2024.