Charli xcx paints a bleak picture on her upcoming song SS26.
After dividing opinion with the glitchy song Rock Music – on which she declares “I think the dancefloor is dead” – Charli seemingly mocks the absurdity of caring about fashion seasons when the world feels apocalyptic.
She sings: “Spring Summer 26 / When the world is gonna end no hope for any of it / Yeah we’re walking on a runway that goes straight to hell / Nothing’s gonna save us not music fashion or film.”
She also appears to call out the way celebrities try to dodge accountability while pretending to be sincere, with the lyrics: “I know/I was hacked/It was taken out of context obviously/But I didn’t do it/Even if I did/Wrote a really good notes app apology.”
The track will be accompanied with a music video directed by Torso, who worked with Charli on the Von Dutch promo, at midnight on May 22 (UK).
Charli posted the full lyrics on her Substack and shared an invitation for fans to “THE PRESENTATION OF CHARLI XCX SS26.”
Responding to the strong reactions to Rock Music, Charli compared it to the discussions surrounding her work with PC Music and her 2016 EP Vroom Vroom.
She wrote on Instagram: “Seeing all the different reactions to my song ‘Rock Music’ has been really interesting.
“My friends and I have been discussing how, in ways, it reminds us of the initial discourse around pc music, how the label was deemed as almost critiquing or looking down on pop music or something.”
She added: “It’s all kind of fascinating. I love talking about music and art with my friends, so I’m happy people are throwing out thoughts.
“I’m not gonna explain where I was coming from with ‘Rock Music’, but all I know is that things can be funny, earnest, sincere, and joyful all at the same time and that’s what I feel about a lot of the things I make.
“Anyways, just was thinking about things and thought I’d put them on the internet, will probably regret it.”