Apple – English Lyrics

• By: Charli xcx
• Album: BRAT

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Charli XCX's "Apple," a synth-pop anthem that cleverly blends a catchy beat with deeply introspective lyrics about family and identity. This song is a fantastic way to engage with English, as its vivid metaphors and relatable themes offer rich vocabulary and emotional context, making language learning both resonant and enjoyable. What makes it special is its ability to discuss complex topics like intergenerational trauma within an accessible and infectious pop sound, proving that powerful messages can come in unexpected, danceable packages.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
apple /ˈæpl/ A1	noun - a round fruit with firm, white flesh and a green, red, or yellow skin.
fall /fɔːl/ A1	verb - to drop or descend freely under the action of gravity.
look /lʊk/ A1	verb - to direct one's gaze towards someone or something.
see /siː/ A1	verb - to perceive with the eyes; discern by visual contact.
throw /θroʊ/ A2	verb - to propel (something) with force through the air.
sky /skaɪ/ A2	noun - the region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the earth.
understand /ˌʌndərˈstænd/ A2	verb - to perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker).
drive /draɪv/ A2	verb - to operate and control the direction and speed of a motor vehicle.
yellow /ˈjeləʊ/ A2	adjective - of the color of lemon or egg yolk.
green /ɡriːn/ A2	adjective - of the color of grass or foliage.
different /ˈdɪfrənt/ A2	adjective - not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality.
grow /ɡroʊ/ B1	verb - to increase in size or develop.
angry /ˈæŋɡri/ B1	adjective - feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
listen /ˈlɪsən/ B1	verb - to give one's attention to a sound.
rotten /ˈrɒtn/ B1	adjective - decaying or decomposed.
core /kɔːr/ B2	noun - the tough central part of various fruits, containing the seeds. noun - the central or most important part of something.
passed /pæst/ B2	verb - to go beyond or past. verb - to be transmitted or handed down.
split /splɪt/ B2	verb - to break apart or divide into pieces.
scary /ˈskeəri/ B2	adjective - causing fear.
symmetrical /ˌsɪmɪˈtrɪkl/ C1	adjective - having corresponding parts that are balanced or proportionate.

Key Grammar Structures

• I guess the apple don't fall far from the tree

  ➔ Double Negative/Non-standard Verb Form

  ➔ The use of 'don't' with 'guess' creates a subtle nuance of uncertainty and colloquial speech. It's a common idiom, but grammatically, 'doesn't' would be more standard. The phrase 'don't fall far from the tree' is a proverb.

• Feels like you never understand me

  ➔ Present Perfect with 'never'

  ➔ The phrase 'have/has never + past participle' (here, 'understand') indicates an action that has not happened up to the present and is unlikely to happen in the future. It emphasizes a continuous lack of understanding. The word **'never'** is key here.

• I wanna grow the apple, keep all the seeds

  ➔ Informal Contraction & Infinitive of Purpose

  ➔ 'Wanna' is a contraction of 'want to', common in informal speech and lyrics. 'To grow' and 'to keep' are infinitives expressing the purpose of the speaker's desire. The speaker wants **'to grow'** the apple and **'to keep'** the seeds.

• But I can't help but get so angry

  ➔ Double Negative/Idiomatic Expression

  ➔ The phrase 'can't help but' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'cannot avoid'. The double negative ('can't help but') is common in English, despite being logically redundant. The word **'angry'** describes the speaker's emotional state.

• I split the apple down symmetrical lines

  ➔ Adverbial Phrase of Direction

  ➔ 'Down symmetrical lines' functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb 'split', indicating *how* the apple was split. It describes the direction and manner of the action. The word **'symmetrical'** is important for understanding the imagery.