Flicker

"**Flicker**" is a single written and recorded by Rina Sawayama, co-written and produced by Clarence Clarity. 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. 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".

"Flicker" reflects on Sawayama's experience of having "difficult" name herself. "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".

Prior the release of the song, Sawayama performed it at her Ordinary Superstar Tour in Heaven, London, on 19 October 2018.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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." 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". 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."

## 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

1. ↑ Kenneally, Cerys (28 November 2018). "Rina Sawayama empowers individuality on new track "Flicker"". *The Line of Best Fit*. Retrieved on June 23, 2021.
2. ↑ Spanos, Brittany (29 November 2018). "Hear Rina Sawayama's Identity-Empowering New Song 'Flicker'". *Rolling Stone*.
3. ↑ "RINA SAWAYAMA on Twitter". Twitter (27 November 2018). Retrieved on June 23, 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”
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Jagota, Vrinda (29 November 2018). ""Flicker" by Rina Sawayama Review". *Pitchfork*. Retrieved on June 23, 2021.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Murray, Robin (28 November 2018). "Listen: Rina Sawayama - 'Flicker'". *Clash*. Retrieved on June 23, 2021.
6. ↑ Bulut, Selim (28 November 2018). "Listen to Rina Sawayama’s latest neo-pop anthem, ‘Flicker’". *Dazed*. Retrieved on June 23, 2021.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 @yes\_seoinji (10 December 2018). "Seo Inji on Instagram". Retrieved on June 23, 2021.
8. ↑ Breedon, Jakk (28 November 2018). "Rina Sawayama – Flicker". A1234. Retrieved on June 23, 2021.