“Guess” by Charli XCX, featuring Billie Eilish, is a provocative and playful anthem that explores themes of female sexuality and confidence. The song invites listeners into a game of seduction and self-discovery through suggestive lyrics and a carefree attitude.
Charli XCX sets the tone with lines like “You wanna guess the color of my underwear,” while Billie Eilish adds a layer of intimacy, revealing she already knows Charli’s secrets. The track is part of Charli’s remix album Brat and It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat, blending bold humor with addictive electronic beats.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Guess” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro: Charli xcx] & [Verse 1: Charli xcx]
Hey, Billie, you there?
Uh-uh
You wanna guess the colour of my underwear
You wanna know what I got goin’ on down there
Is it pretty in pink or all see-through?
Is it showin’ off my brand-new lower-back tattoo?
You wanna put ’em in your mouth, pull ’em all down south
You wanna turn this shit out, that’s what I’m talkin’ about
Pu-pu-pu-put ’em in your mouth, pull ’em all down south
You wanna turn this shit out, that’s what l’m talkin’ about (Yeah)
The song opens with Charli addressing Billie, setting up a flirtatious dialogue. Charli then launches into a series of suggestive questions and statements, inviting the listener (or Billie) to guess intimate details about her appearance and underwear. This establishes a tone of playful provocation and confident sexuality.
[Chorus: Charli xcx]
Try it, bite it, lick it, spit it
Pull it to the side and get all up in it
Wear ’em, post ’em, might remix it
Send ’em to The Dare, yeah, I think he’s with it
Try it, bite it, lick it, spit it
Pull it to the side and get all up in it
Wear ’em, post ’em, might remix it
Eat it up for lunch, yeah, it’s so delicious
(Work it out)
The chorus becomes more explicit, using repetitive phrases to describe various sexual acts. The lyrics also hint at exhibitionism and sharing these intimate moments, possibly referencing social media or music production (“Wear ’em, post ’em, might remix it”).
[Verse 2: Billie Eilish]
Don’t have to guess the color of your underwear
Already know what you’ve got goin’ on down there
It’s that lacy black pair with the little bows
The ones I picked out for you in Tokyo
I saw them when you sat down, they were peekin’ out
I’m gonna tell you right now, they’re all I’m thinkin’ about
Billie Eilish’s verse shifts the perspective, revealing a more intimate knowledge of Charli’s underwear. This suggests a close relationship between the two artists and adds a layer of voyeurism to the song. Billie’s lyrics imply that she has not only seen Charli’s underwear but also picked them out, hinting at a deeper connection.
[Chorus: Billie Eilish]
I wanna try it, bite it, lick it, spit it
Pull it to the side and get all up in it
Kiss it, ride it, can I fit it?
Charli likes boys, but she knows I’d hit it
(Knows I’d hit it)
Charli, call me if you’re with it
Billie’s version of the chorus mirrors Charli’s in structure but adds her own twist. She explicitly references her attraction to Charli, despite Charli’s preference for boys, highlighting the song’s exploration of fluid sexuality and desire.
[Bridge: Charli xcx, Billie Eilish, Charli xcx & Billie Eilish]
(Yeah) Guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess
Guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess
Guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess
Guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess, guess
The bridge consists of repetitive “guess” lyrics, reinforcing the song’s central theme.
[Outro: Charli xcx, Billie Eilish, Charli xcx & Billie Eilish]
You wanna guess what me and Billie have been textin’ about? (We’ve been disrespectful)
Still tryin’ to guess the password to my Google Drive (Are you obsessed with me?)
You wanna guess the address of the party we’re at (You know you’re not invited)
You wanna guess if we’re serious about this song
The outro adds a meta-commentary on the song itself, with the artists teasing about their text conversations, private information, and the seriousness of the track.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Guess”
Charli XCX’s “Guess” is a provocative and empowering exploration of female sexuality, confidence, and agency. The song’s playful and suggestive lyrics invite listeners into a world where traditional notions of modesty are challenged, and sexual expression is celebrated.
At its core, “Guess” is about taking control of one’s own narrative and sexuality. Charli’s lyrics, such as “You wanna guess the colour of my underwear / You wanna know what I got going on down there,” establish a dynamic where she holds the power, inviting curiosity while maintaining an air of mystery. This approach subverts typical power dynamics in sexual encounters, allowing Charli to express her sexuality on her own terms.
The song’s chorus further reinforces themes of agency and sexual freedom. Lines like “Try it, bite it, lick it, spit it / Pull it to the side and get all up in it” are overtly sexual but also convey a sense of control over one’s body and desires. By being so direct and unapologetic, Charli challenges societal expectations and embraces a confident, “bratty” persona that has become her signature style.
The remix featuring Billie Eilish adds another layer to the song’s meaning. Eilish’s verse responds to Charli’s provocations with equal confidence, creating a flirtatious exchange between the two artists. This collaboration not only amplifies the song’s themes of sexual empowerment but also showcases a supportive dynamic between female artists in the music industry.
Ultimately, “Guess” is more than just a provocative pop song. It’s a statement about female empowerment, sexual liberation, and the right to express oneself without shame or judgment. By inviting listeners to engage in this playful guessing game, Charli XCX creates a space where sexuality can be discussed openly and confidently, challenging societal norms and encouraging self-expression.
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.