Rina Sawayama - Flicker (Lyric Video)
"Flicker" is a single written and recorded by Rina Sawayama, co-written and produced by Clarence Clarity.[2] Released on 28 November 2018 under Different Recordings, the song is Sawayama's second and last song to be released under the label, after "Cherry".
Inspired by Sawayama's childhood memory where her teacher butchered her surname, the song is about empowering people whose identities can often be oppressed, diminished or misunderstood.[3] An accompanying lyric video was released along with the song.
Background
Sawayama wrote the lyrics and melody of "Flicker" in "a couple hours". "It was 1 of those magical moments as a songwriter when the whole song comes to [you] in stream of consciousness and BOOM three hours later with Clarence Clarity birthed Flicker".[4]
"Flicker" reflects on Sawayama's experience of having "difficult" name herself.[5] "The first day of reception year at school my teacher totally butchered my surname while calling out the register." Sawayama explained, "I remember crying so hard and that was the first time I realised that I was different to all the others in class." On writing the song, Sawayama explained she "was thinking how our name shapes our experience in life and identities us in a deeper way than we realise. Whether it's a name that no one can say, or the frustration of being mis-gendered, or quite simply being misunderstood for who you truly are".[6]
Prior the release of the song, Sawayama performed it at her Ordinary Superstar Tour in Heaven, London, on 19 October 2018.[7]
Artwork
The single's artwork was designed by Korean illustrator Seo Inji, who previously designed Sawayama's artwork for "Cherry", including its remix, and the Ordinary Superstar Tour poster.[8]
Lyric video
An accompanying lyric video was uploaded on YouTube for the song. It was animated by British designer and illustrator Oskars Lelis, with designs by Korean illustrator Seo Inji.[8]
#TheyAintUs
To promote the song, Sawayama used the hashtag #TheyAintUs, taken from the lyrics. Fans used the hashtag on social media to share their experiences with their names. On 20 December 2018, she released a new episode of Rina TV featuring videos submitted by Pixels from around the world, who shared their "beautifully unique" names and the struggles and joys associated with owning them.
| There is a Rina TV episode related to this topic. | ||
| "#THEYAINTUS" | ||
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| Episode No. 4 | ||
| Upload Date 20 December 2018 | ||
| Length 10:08 | ||
| Check all episodes from Rina TV →
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Critical reception
"Flicker" received positive reviews from music critics. Describing the song's production as "vivid", Robin Murray of Clash magazine was impressed by Rina's taut lyrical flair "capturing those emotions and bringing out fresh elements."[6] Writing for Pitchfork, Vrinda Jagorta wrote that over "fluorescent synths and jittery drums, she urges listeners to take pride in their names and remember that they are better than the homogeneous faces on TV screens." Jagorta also described the song as a "ecstatic, self-assured pop song".[5] Jakk Breedon of A1234 praised the song and its production, stating that it "features her signature glittering synth production, an empowering chorus that is made for singing out loud in your room with a hairbrush microphone, lyrical prowess that she’s possessed since her first release and her vocal bringing passionate emotion to the pop anthem that gives this track a raw edge."[9]
Lyrics
These days looking sideways
Sadness, not from heartache
Cold shoulder, the way you look at
Me, me, me, me
I'm losing my axis
Looking at the recess
This pressure, the way you look at
Me, me, me, me
They say don't even try to resist
Look at what you've been given
Be grateful and don't take the piss
When the people on TV
They all look the same
I know I can do
I can do better than them
When you're down, feeling low
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
'Cause you know what they don't
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Nobody gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
Nobody gonna shine like you and me
Back then didn't notice
They called it subversive
No longer withheld by what you think of me
They say don't even try to resist
Look at what you've been given
Be grateful and don't take the piss
When the people on TV
They all look the same
I know I can do
I can do better than them
When you're down, feeling low
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
'Causeyou know what they don't
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Nobody gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
Nobody gonna shine like you and me
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Well they ain't no sun
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Well they ain't no flame
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
We are not the same
No, no, no, no
When you're feeling down
When you're down, feeling low
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
'Cause you know what they don't
Just remember your name
They ain't us
They ain't us, baby
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
Nobody gonna shine like us
(They flicker, flicker, flicker)
But they ain't gonna shine like us
Nobody gonna shine like you and me
References
- ↑ "RINA SAWAYAMA on Twitter". Twitter (22 October 2018). Retrieved on 2 April 2025.
- ↑ Kenneally, Cerys (28 November 2018). "Rina Sawayama empowers individuality on new track "Flicker"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved on 23 June 2021.
- ↑ Spanos, Brittany (29 November 2018). "Hear Rina Sawayama's Identity-Empowering New Song 'Flicker'". Rolling Stone.
- ↑ "RINA SAWAYAMA on Twitter". Twitter (27 November 2018). Retrieved on 23 June 2021. “I wrote the lyrics and melody to this song in a couple hours, it was 1 of those magical moments as a songwriter when the whole song comes to u in stream of consciousness and BOOM three hours later with @clarenceclarity birthed Flicker”
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Jagota, Vrinda (29 November 2018). ""Flicker" by Rina Sawayama Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved on 23 June 2021.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Murray, Robin (28 November 2018). "Listen: Rina Sawayama - 'Flicker'". Clash. Retrieved on 23 June 2021.
- ↑ Bulut, Selim (28 November 2018). "Listen to Rina Sawayama’s latest neo-pop anthem, ‘Flicker’". Dazed. Retrieved on 23 June 2021.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 @yes_seoinji (10 December 2018). "Seo Inji on Instagram". Retrieved on 23 June 2021.
- ↑ Breedon, Jakk (28 November 2018). "Rina Sawayama – Flicker". A1234. Retrieved on 23 June 2021.
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