I think about it all the time
Charli xcx
The Existential Dilemma of Time and Purpose in Charli XCX's 'I think about it all the time'
Charli XCX's song 'I think about it all the time' delves into the profound and often anxiety-inducing contemplation of time, purpose, and the potential for motherhood. The lyrics reveal a personal and introspective journey where Charli grapples with the fear of running out of time to achieve significant life milestones, such as starting a family. This theme is underscored by her repeated reflection on whether having a baby would provide her life with a new sense of purpose or if it would make her miss the freedom she currently enjoys.
The song's narrative takes us to Stockholm, where Charli experiences a moment of clarity about her future. The cold setting and the act of playing demos on her iPhone symbolize a period of introspection and self-evaluation. Meeting her friend's baby for the first time serves as a catalyst for her existential musings. The joy and fulfillment she observes in her friends, now parents, contrast sharply with her own uncertainties and fears of missing out on something profound.
Charli's internal conflict is further highlighted in the conversation about whether she should stop her birth control, juxtaposing her career ambitions with the existential weight of motherhood. This line encapsulates the tension between personal freedom and the desire for a deeper, more meaningful existence. The song's repetitive structure and the haunting 'mm-mm' refrains emphasize the cyclical nature of these thoughts, suggesting that this is a recurring and unresolved dilemma for Charli.
'I think about it all the time' is a poignant exploration of the universal human experience of questioning one's life choices and the search for purpose. It resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pressure of time and the fear of missing out on life's significant moments.