Dirty Dirty

Charlotte Cardin's song 'Dirty Dirty' delves into the emotional complexity of unrequited desire and the internal struggle that comes with it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who is deeply infatuated with someone who is interested in another person. This unreciprocated affection leads her to feelings of jealousy and self-doubt, as she compares herself to the object of her affection's interest. The repeated lines 'I see the way, I see the way, the way you want her' and 'I see she’s got, I see she’s got some thing I don’t' highlight her awareness of the situation and her internal conflict.

The song also explores themes of self-worth and identity. The protagonist questions her own value, wondering what she lacks compared to the other woman. This is evident in lines like 'I got more under my dress, but you won’t twitch' and 'I can cry ’cause I got so much she has not.' These lyrics suggest a deep-seated insecurity and a longing for validation. The phrase 'dirty thoughts' serves as a metaphor for her impure or inappropriate feelings, which she feels the need to 'wash off,' indicating a desire to cleanse herself of these emotions and move on.

Cardin's vocal delivery and the song's melancholic melody further amplify the emotional weight of the lyrics. The repetition of the chorus, where she vows to 'wash off all the dirty, dirty thoughts,' underscores her struggle to let go of her unrequited feelings and find peace within herself. The song captures the raw, often painful experience of wanting someone who doesn't want you back, and the emotional journey of coming to terms with that reality.