Sympathy is a knife – English Lyrics

• By: Charli xcx

Lyrics & Translation

Charli XCX's "Sympathy is a Knife" offers a raw and unfiltered look into the often-unspoken feelings of envy and self-doubt. Through its direct and confessional lyrics, the song provides a unique opportunity for listeners to explore complex emotions in English. It stands out for its honesty, capturing the internal conflict that arises from comparing oneself to others, particularly in the public eye.

[English]

I don't wanna share this space

I don't wanna force a smile

This one girl taps my insecurities

Don't know if it's real or if I'm spiraling

One voice tells me that they laugh

George says I'm just paranoid

Says he just don't see it, he's so naive

I'm embarrassed to have it, but need the sympathy

'Cause I couldn't even be her if I tried

I'm opposite, I'm on the other side

I feel all these feelings I can't control

Oh no, don't know why

All this sympathy is just a knife

Why I can't even grit my teeth and lie?

I feel all these feelings I can't control

Oh no, don't know

Why I wanna buy a gun?

Why I wanna shoot myself?

Volatile at war with my dialogue

I'd say that there was a God if they could stop this

Wild voice tearing me apart

I'm so apprehensive now

Don't wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend's show

Fingers crossed behind my back, I hope they break up quick

'Cause I couldn't even be her if I tried

I'm opposite, I'm on the other side

I feel all these feelings I can't control

Oh no, don't know why

All this sympathy is just a knife

Why I can't even grit my teeth and lie?

I feel all these feelings I can't control (oh no)

All this sympathy is just a knife

All this sympathy is just a lie

All this sympathy is just a knife

Yeah, all this sympathy is just a lie

Oh no, oh no

Why is all this sympathy a fucking knife?

Yeah, all this sympathy is just a lie

Couldn't even be her if I tried

Oh no, oh no

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
share /ʃɛər/ B1	verb - to have or use something at the same time as someone else
force /fɔːrs/ B1	verb/noun - to make someone do something by physical strength or influence / physical power or strength
smile /smaɪl/ A2	verb/noun - to make a happy expression with your face / a happy expression on your face
insecurities /ɪnˌsiːkjʊˈrɪtiz/ B2	noun - feelings of not being confident or safe
spiraling /ˈspaɪrəlɪŋ/ B2	verb (participle) - to move in a continuous circle or curve / to quickly increase or get worse
paranoid /ˈpærəˌnɔɪd/ B2	adjective - suspicious or having unreasonable fears or distrust
embarrassed /ɪmˈbærəst/ B2	adjective - feeling shy, awkward, or ashamed
sympathy /ˈsɪmpəθi/ B2	noun - feelings of understanding and compassion for someone else's suffering
lie /laɪ/ A2	verb/noun - to say something that is not true / a false statement
guilt /ɡɪlt/ B2	noun - the feeling of having done something wrong
violence /ˈvaɪələns/ B2	noun - behaviour involving physical force intended to hurt or damage
dialogue /ˈdaɪəˌlɔɡ/ B2	noun - a conversation between two or more people
apprehensive /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/ C1	adjective - worried or anxious about something that might happen
breakup /ˈbrɛkaʊp/ B2	noun - the ending of a romantic relationship

Key Grammar Structures

• I don't wanna share this space

  ➔ Use of 'don't wanna' (contraction of 'do not want to') to express desire or preference in informal speech.

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• Says he just don't see it

  ➔ Use of 'don't see' (present simple negative) to indicate inability or refusal to understand or perceive something.

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• I'm embarrassed to have it

  ➔ Use of 'embarrassed to have' to express feeling ashamed or self-conscious about possessing or experiencing something.

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• All this sympathy is just a knife

  ➔ Metaphor comparing 'sympathy' to a 'knife', illustrating how it can cause pain or harm.

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• Why I wanna buy a gun?

  ➔ Use of 'wanna' as a contraction of 'want to', indicating desire or intention in informal speech.

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• I'd say that there was a God if they could stop this

  ➔ Use of the conditional 'if' with past tense 'could' to express hypothetical or unreal situations.

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• Fingers crossed behind my back, I hope they break up quick

  ➔ Use of the idiom 'fingers crossed' to express hope or wish for a positive outcome.

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• All this feelings I can't control

  ➔ Use of 'can't control' (modal + base verb) to indicate inability to regulate or manage feelings.

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