New Shapes (feat. Caroline Polachek & Christine And The Queens)

Charli XCX's song 'New Shapes,' featuring Caroline Polachek and Christine and the Queens, delves into the complexities of modern relationships and the struggle for genuine connection. The repeated refrain, 'What you want, I ain't got it,' sets the tone for the song, highlighting a sense of inadequacy or inability to meet the expectations of a partner. This sentiment is echoed throughout the lyrics, suggesting a recurring theme of unfulfilled desires and the elusive nature of true intimacy.

The song explores the tension between the desire for freedom and the need for closeness. Charli XCX sings about her tendency to 'run away' and her need to 'breathe,' indicating a struggle with commitment and the fear of losing oneself in a relationship. Despite feeling 'so close,' she admits to being unable to control her emotions, which leads to a cycle of fleeting connections and inevitable goodbyes. The metaphor of 'falling in love in new shapes' suggests that while the forms of love and connection may change, the underlying issues remain unresolved.

Caroline Polachek and Christine and the Queens add depth to the narrative by exploring the idea of creating 'places for you to let go' and the notion of love as an art form that can be twisted and reshaped. The imagery of being 'stuck on the west side' and 'like a star in space' evokes a sense of isolation and longing, further emphasizing the difficulty of finding a lasting connection. The song ultimately portrays a bittersweet reality where the pursuit of love often leads to more questions than answers, leaving the characters to grapple with their own emotional landscapes.