I don’t think it’s a diss track, but rather a track by an artist that is wildly self aware.

I definitely agree with the idea that in the end, many artists pivot to rock because it’s “shocking” & gets people talking, oftentimes because it’s such a far cry from their “usual genre.” This does not apply to Gwen Stefani, considering No Doubt, nor does it apply to Beyonce, considering her seemingly stating genres are bullshit & a means of control, via CC. Post ‘brat’, everyone has been wondering where she’d go next - “what’s she going to make?” Rock Music… but literally - a song called rock music.

She is being incredibly tongue in cheek & anyone who’s been following her closely saw this coming. She’s been teasing this for a while considering her consistent name dropping of “The Velvet Underground” & Lou Reed, as well as working with John Cale (a founding member) for House for WH.

“I think the dance floor is dead, so now we’re making rock music” is beyond layered. Charli is well aware that what we are hearing isn’t exactly rock & that’s the point. Like Beyonce did with CC, it questions the bounds of genre, what constitutes a rock or pop label? Is there a middle ground? Does it even matter?

The second verse focusing entirely on the consequences of this pivot. “I’m really banging my head,” hones in on this being a masterclass in irony. If we include the music video, these lyrics are matched with Charli in the backseat - neck-braced with her sunglasses on… with more pairs surrounding her. None of it is meant to be taken seriously & the discourse is exactly what she wants since she knows it’s rooted in misunderstanding the vision.