“Diet Pepsi” by Addison Rae is a vibrant pop anthem that captures the essence of young love and the thrill of first experiences. Released in August 2024, the song is a synth-infused exploration of youthful romance, blending innocence with sensuality.
The lyrics paint a picture of a passionate summer fling, with imagery like “losing all my innocence in the backseat” and “sitting on his lap, sippin’ Diet Pepsi,” evoking a sense of carefree nostalgia and rebellion.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Diet Pepsi” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
My boy’s a winner, he loves the game
My lips reflect off his cross
gold chain
I like the way he’s telling me
My ass looks good in these ripped blue jeans
My cheeks are red like cherries in the spring
Body’s a work of art you’d die to see
The opening verse sets the scene of a passionate relationship. The singer describes her partner as successful and confident. She feels attractive and appreciated, with her partner complimenting her appearance. The imagery of red cheeks and a body described as a “work of art” emphasizes the physical attraction between them.
[Pre-Chorus]
Untouched, XO
Young lust
, let’s— (Ah)
This brief section hints at the innocence and excitement of new love. The terms “Untouched” and “Young lust” create a contrast between purity and desire, setting up the tension that runs throughout the song.
[Chorus]
When we drive in your car, I’m your baby
(So sweet)
Losing all my innocence in the backseat
Say you love, say you love, say you love me
(Love me)
Losing all my innocence in the backsеat
When we drive in your car, I’m your baby (So sweet)
Losing all my innocеnce in the backseat
Say you love, say you love, say you love me
(Love me)
Losing all my innocence in the backseat
The chorus is the heart of the song, repeating the central themes. It describes intimate moments in a car, symbolizing freedom and privacy for young lovers. The phrase “Losing all my innocence in the backseat” is a metaphor for sexual experiences and growing up. The repetition of “Say you love me” shows the singer’s desire for emotional connection alongside physical intimacy.
[Verse 2]
Break all the rules ’til we get caught
Fog up the windows in the parking lot
Summer love (Ah, ah), sexy
Sitting on his lap, sippin’ Diet Pepsi
I write my name with lipstick on your chest
I leave a mark so you know I’m the best
This verse continues the narrative, focusing on the rebellious and passionate nature of the relationship. It introduces more sensual imagery, like fogged-up windows and sitting on her partner’s lap. The mention of Diet Pepsi adds a playful, everyday element to the passionate scene.
[Bridge]
When we—
I’m your baby
I’m your baby
When we—
(XO)
The bridge is minimal, reinforcing the idea of belonging to each other (“I’m your baby”) and the excitement of their encounters (“XO”).
[Post-Chorus]
Untouched
Young lust
XO
Let’s go
The post-chorus echoes elements from earlier in the song, bringing the themes full circle. It reiterates the contrast between innocence (“Untouched”) and desire (“Young lust”).
Deeper Meaning Behind “Diet Pepsi”
Addison Rae’s “Diet Pepsi” is a vibrant exploration of youthful romance and the bittersweet nature of growing up, encapsulating the thrill of first love and the loss of innocence. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a summer fling, using evocative imagery and playful lyricism to capture the tension between naivety and sensuality.
At its core, “Diet Pepsi” delves into the interplay between innocence and experience. The repeated refrain, “Losing all my innocence in the backseat,” serves as both a literal and symbolic marker of coming of age. Rae portrays the backseat of a car not just as a physical space, but as a metaphorical stage for transformation—a setting where boundaries blur, rules are broken, and identities are formed.
The song’s use of Diet Pepsi as a motif is particularly intriguing. It serves as a lighthearted symbol within an emotionally charged narrative, reflecting a Gen Z approach to nostalgia—an embrace of fleeting pleasures without pretense. The drink itself, light and bubbly, mirrors the song’s effervescent mood—casual yet intimate, frivolous yet meaningful.
Rae’s “Diet Pepsi” also nods to the aesthetics of past eras, evoking the rebellious spirit of 1950s and 1960s youth culture where automobiles symbolized freedom and escapism. However, she infuses these tropes with modern sensibilities, embedding her own voice within a lineage of pop storytelling.
Ultimately, “Diet Pepsi” serves as both a celebration and a time capsule of a moment where innocence meets experience, creating something beautifully raw and fleeting. Through its lush imagery, rhythmic repetition, and unapologetic sensuality, Rae transforms a simple summer fling into art—a blend of naivety, rebellion, and self-discovery, fizzing like the bubbles in a bottle of Diet Pepsi.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.