Charger (feat. Charli Xcx)

In 'Charger,' Elio, featuring Charli XCX, delves into the emotional complexities of a breakup, using the metaphor of a forgotten phone charger to symbolize lingering connections and unresolved feelings. The song opens with a sense of frustration and regret, as the protagonist realizes they are 'three percent away from bein' stranded,' both literally and metaphorically. This line sets the stage for the internal conflict that follows, where the protagonist grapples with the desire to return to retrieve the charger, knowing that doing so would reopen emotional wounds.

The chorus captures this tension perfectly, with the repeated lines 'And I wanna come back / 'Cause I left my, left my, left my charger / (But) I don't wanna go back / It'll make it, make it, make it, make it harder.' Here, the charger becomes a symbol of the last thread connecting the protagonist to their past relationship. The physical act of going back to retrieve it is fraught with emotional peril, as it would force them to confront feelings they are trying to move past. The charger, left 'by the bedside and, if I'm right, on the left side,' serves as a poignant reminder of intimacy and shared moments, making the decision to return even more difficult.

The song also touches on the theme of communication, or the lack thereof, as seen in the lines 'Text sent, but you left me on read / I wish I could tell it straight / No games, lookin' at your face.' This highlights the frustration and longing for closure, which remains elusive. The protagonist is caught in a loop of wanting to move on but being held back by these small, yet significant, reminders of their past. The song's repetitive structure and haunting melody amplify this sense of being stuck, making 'Charger' a relatable anthem for anyone who has struggled with letting go of a past relationship.