Charli XCX and Ariana Grande’s track “Sympathy is a Knife” captures the pressure of living in the spotlight, where sympathy can feel more like a weapon. Charli’s raw lyrics, “It’s a knife when you know they’re waiting for you to choke,” tap into the vulnerability of fame, while Ariana’s verse adds depth with lines like, “It’s a knife when you’re so pretty, they think you must be fake.” This collaboration, part of Charli’s remix album “Brat and It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat,” blends hyperpop with emotional grit, creating a sonic experience that’s as catchy as it is introspective. The song explores the tension between public perception and personal identity, delivering a sharp commentary on the pressures of modern fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices