“Nonsense” by Sabrina Carpenter is a playful and effervescent pop anthem that perfectly captures the giddy, brain-scrambling feeling of having an all-consuming crush.
The song’s core meaning is a celebration of the delightful chaos of infatuation, where intense attraction causes a person’s thoughts to become jumbled, their speech to turn to gibberish, and their world to revolve around one person, all culminating in a joyful stream of sweet “nonsense.” In this article, we explore the meaning of this song, breaking down its metaphors and emotions.
Introduction to the Song
Released on July 15, 2022, as the ninth track on her fifth studio album, emails i can’t send, “Nonsense” embarked on one of the most remarkable journeys in recent pop music. Initially an album track beloved by fans for its witty and flirtatious charm, the song transformed into a global, viral phenomenon. Fueled by its infectious energy and a unique live performance tradition, it took on a life of its own, eventually being released as an official single and becoming one of the biggest hits of Carpenter’s career.
Musically, “Nonsense” is an upbeat, sparkling pop track with subtle R&B inflections, driven by a bouncy bassline and Carpenter’s characteristically clever vocal delivery. The song’s true genius, however, lies in its playful structure and the improvisational spirit embedded in its outro. This unique feature would later become the catalyst for its massive success, turning the song from a simple album cut into an interactive and ever-evolving cultural moment that solidified Carpenter’s status as a bona fide pop star.
Central Theme & Message
The central theme of “Nonsense” is the joyful, dizzying, and slightly chaotic state of being completely smitten with someone. The song is a detailed and humorous exploration of the physiological and psychological effects of a powerful crush. It portrays infatuation not as a serious or dramatic affair, but as a fun, bubbly, and slightly out-of-control experience that makes the logical part of your brain take a vacation.
The primary message of the song is a wholehearted celebration of leaning into the silliness of new love. Carpenter finds joy in the way a crush can make you forget your own name, stumble over your words, and think thoughts that make absolutely no sense. The song gives listeners permission to embrace the giddy, nonsensical side of romance without embarrassment. It’s a feel-good anthem that suggests that sometimes, the most fun you can have is when you’re so head-over-heels that you can’t think straight.
Lyrical Meaning, Section by Section
Verse 1
The song opens by immediately establishing the narrator’s state of utter infatuation. She describes wanting to delete every contact in her phone except for one, a classic sign of obsessive, early-stage romance. She even considers changing his contact name to the playfully clingy “Don’t Leave Me Alone,” showcasing her humorous self-awareness about her own intensity.
She then recounts his compliments, noting that he likes her eyes and, in a clever double entendre, enjoys making them “roll.” This could refer to an eye-roll of playful annoyance or, more flirtatiously, rolling back in pleasure. She explains that his royal treatment has left her feeling “thrown,” or completely knocked off her axis. This first verse perfectly sets the scene: she has been so thoroughly charmed by this person that her usual composure has been completely dismantled.
Pre-Chorus
The pre-chorus delves into the physical symptoms of her crush. She admits she has no self-control when he gets close to her, a feeling so overwhelming that her tongue goes numb and her speech dissolves into literal gibberish, which she imitates as “bleh-blah-blee.” This is a perfect, almost cartoonish, depiction of being so lovestruck that you are rendered speechless.
She confesses that she doesn’t want anyone else and that she is “in too deep,” acknowledging how quickly and completely she has fallen for him. The verse ends with a cute, meta-reference to her profession as a songwriter, as she playfully frames the entire song as a “lil’ song I wrote” specifically about the two of them, adding to the track’s intimate and charming feel.
Chorus
The chorus is the song’s explosive, joyful diagnosis of her condition. She honestly admits that just looking at him causes her to think “nonsense.” She then lists the specific symptoms of her affliction with infectious glee. She feels “cartwheels in my stomach” whenever he enters a room—a more energetic and acrobatic version of the classic “butterflies,” suggesting an extreme level of excitement.
His physical presence is so powerful that it makes her feel good enough to jump an octave in her singing, a musical representation of her uncontainable elation. The crush is so all-consuming that it has caused a case of romantic amnesia; she thinks she might have an ex-boyfriend, but she’s completely forgotten him. She has also lost her “chill,” or her ability to remain calm and composed. The chorus is a whirlwind of giddy confessions, celebrating her complete and happy loss of control.
Verse 2
The second verse is a rapid-fire, almost stream-of-consciousness list of her nonsensical, crush-fueled thoughts and behaviors. She describes talking “around the clock,” a sign of her constant preoccupation with him. She finds herself hoping for privacy (“hope nobody knocks”) and thinking “wild, wild thoughts,” hinting at the more risqué and passionate side of her infatuation.
She playfully challenges him to keep up with her “young energy,” positioning herself as a vibrant and exciting force. The verse culminates with her spelling out “L-O-V-E” in a deliberately cute, almost childlike manner, perfectly capturing the pure and simple joy of her feelings. She ends by asking him, “How do you do this to me?”—a rhetorical question that marvels at the powerful effect he has on her.
The Outro
The recorded outro is one of the most unique and defining features of the song. After the final chorus, the song breaks the fourth wall with a series of witty, non-sequitur one-liners that sound like they were ad-libbed in the studio. She compares the song’s catchiness to chickenpox, jokes about her missing sock being at his house, and mentions writing a pop hit that morning.
She concludes with a flirtatious “pop quiz” asking how quickly he can undress, before comically admitting that most of these lines won’t make the final cut. This outro is crucial because it establishes the playful, improvisational, and slightly chaotic spirit of the song. It set the precedent for the now-legendary tradition of customized live outros that would eventually make the song a global phenomenon.
Emotional Tone & Mood
The emotional tone of “Nonsense” is overwhelmingly joyful, flirty, and humorously self-aware. It is a song that is bubbling with the giddy energy of a new crush. Carpenter’s vocal performance is bright and playful, perfectly capturing the feeling of being so smitten that you can’t help but smile. The tone is lighthearted and charming, completely free of the cynicism or heartbreak found in other parts of the album.
The mood of the song is infectious, fun, and irresistibly feel-good. The upbeat pop production creates a sparkling, energetic atmosphere that is perfect for dancing. It’s a track designed to induce a state of pure, uncomplicated happiness in the listener. The mood is celebratory, making the slightly chaotic and out-of-control feeling of infatuation seem like the most wonderful experience in the world.
Artist’s Perspective / Backstory
“Nonsense” was initially written as a fun, lighthearted moment to provide some levity on the otherwise emotionally vulnerable and introspective emails i can’t send album. In various interviews, Sabrina Carpenter has expressed her genuine shock and delight at the song’s unexpected viral journey. She explained that it was one of the last songs written for the album and came from a place of simply wanting to create something fun and not too serious.
She never anticipated it would become a single, let alone one of her signature hits. The song’s organic success, driven entirely by fan enthusiasm, became a testament to the power of connecting with an audience in an authentic way. Carpenter has embraced the song’s playful spirit, particularly through its live performances, stating that the improvisational nature of the outros keeps the song exciting and fresh for both her and her fans every night.
Real-Life Events or Facts Related to the Song
- The Viral Live Outros: The most significant event related to “Nonsense” is the tradition of its customized live outros. During her emails i can’t send Tour in late 2022 and 2023, Carpenter began improvising a new, spoken-word outro for the song at every single show. These outros were tailored to the specific city she was in and were filled with witty, often risqué, and topical jokes.
- TikTok Sensation: Fans began recording these unique outros and posting them on TikTok, where they would go viral almost nightly. This created a massive online phenomenon, with fans eagerly anticipating each new city’s outro. The trend caused the original song to explode in popularity on the platform, leading to its official release as a single months after the album dropped.
- Chart Success: Fueled by its viral fame, “Nonsense” became a major chart hit. It peaked at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant achievement for a song that was initially just an album track. It also charted globally and has been certified Platinum in the United States, cementing its status as a genuine smash hit.
Metaphors & Symbolism
“Nonsense” uses a variety of playful metaphors and symbols to illustrate the joyful chaos of infatuation.
- “Nonsense”: The song’s title is its central metaphor. “Nonsense” represents the complete breakdown of logic, coherence, and composure that occurs in the brain when one is overwhelmed by a powerful crush. It’s a symbol for the jumbled, silly, yet utterly delightful thoughts that replace rational thinking.
- “Cartwheels in my Stomach”: This is a creative and energetic twist on the classic “butterflies in my stomach.” Instead of gentle flutters, “cartwheels” suggest a more intense, acrobatic, and wildly exciting physical sensation. It’s a metaphor for an overwhelming level of giddiness and elation.
- “Tongue Goes Numb / Bleh-Blah-Blee”: This is a literal and symbolic representation of being so lovestruck that one is rendered speechless. The onomatopoeic gibberish is a symbol for the complete failure of language in the face of an emotion that is too powerful to articulate.
- Forgetting the Ex: The act of completely forgetting a past boyfriend is a powerful symbol of how all-consuming and forward-looking a new infatuation can be. The new crush is so potent that it has the power to instantly erase the pain and memory of past heartbreaks.
- The Live Outro Tradition: Beyond the song itself, the tradition of the live, improvised outro has become a symbol of Carpenter’s dynamic and interactive relationship with her fanbase. It represents the idea that the song is a living, breathing entity that evolves with each performance, creating a unique and shared experience between the artist and her audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question 1: What is the main meaning of “Nonsense”?
Answer 1: The main meaning of “Nonsense” is a joyful celebration of the giddy, brain-scrambling, and slightly chaotic feeling of having a powerful crush. It’s about how infatuation can make your thoughts and words dissolve into playful, happy “nonsense.”
Question 2: Why is the song called “Nonsense”?
Answer 2: The song is called “Nonsense” because that is the word the narrator uses to describe her state of mind when she’s around the person she likes. Her logical thinking is replaced by a stream of jumbled, happy, and nonsensical thoughts and feelings.
Question 3: What is the story behind the famous “Nonsense” live outros?
Answer 3: During her tours, Sabrina Carpenter began improvising a new, unique outro for “Nonsense” at every show. These outros are typically spoken-word, filled with witty and often risqué jokes tailored to the city she is in. The tradition went viral on TikTok and became a signature part of her live performances.
Question 4: How did “Nonsense” become a viral hit?
Answer 4: The song became a viral hit primarily through TikTok. Fans started posting videos of her unique, improvised live outros from her tour, which caused the original song to gain massive popularity on the platform, leading to its release as an official single and major chart success.
Question 5: What album is “Nonsense” on?
Answer 5: “Nonsense” is the ninth track on Sabrina Carpenter’s fifth studio album, emails i can’t send, which was released on July 15, 2022.
Question 6: What does she mean by having “cartwheels in my stomach”?
Answer 6: This is a playful and energetic metaphor for the feeling of extreme excitement and giddiness, similar to “butterflies in the stomach” but more intense. It suggests a powerful, acrobatic rush of emotion whenever she sees her crush.
Question 7: Is “Nonsense” based on a real person?
Answer 7: Sabrina Carpenter has not confirmed if the song is about a specific person. Its lyrics capture a universal feeling of infatuation, which is why it has resonated with so many listeners who have experienced a similar head-over-heels crush.
Question 8: What is the emotional tone of the song?
Answer 8: The tone is overwhelmingly joyful, flirty, humorous, and giddy. It’s a lighthearted and charming song that perfectly captures the bubbly energy of a new romance.
Question 9: What is the “pop quiz” mentioned in the recorded outro?
Answer 9: The “pop quiz” is a flirtatious and witty ad-lib in the song’s original outro, where she asks, “How quickly can you take your clothes off?” It’s a joke that perfectly encapsulates the playful and slightly risqué humor of the song.
Question 10: How did the song perform on the music charts?
Answer 10: After going viral, “Nonsense” became a significant chart success. It peaked in the top 60 of the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and charted in many countries around the world. It has been certified Platinum in the U.S. for selling over one million units.
Question 11: What does she mean by “I can’t find my chill, I must’ve lost it”?
Answer 11: “Losing your chill” is a slang term for losing your composure and ability to act cool and calm. In the song, it means her crush makes her so excited and flustered that she can no longer maintain a calm exterior.
Question 12: How does the song’s meaning contrast with the rest of the emails i can’t send album?
Answer 12: The album emails i can’t send is largely about vulnerability, heartbreak, and anxiety. “Nonsense” serves as a crucial moment of light and levity on the record, offering a joyful, carefree escape from the album’s heavier emotional themes.
Question 13: What does the line “I had to jump the octave” refer to?
Answer 13: This is both a literal and metaphorical line. Literally, she sings a higher note in the chorus to show her vocal excitement. Metaphorically, it represents her feelings of elation being so powerful that they physically manifest as a higher, more joyful expression.
Question 14: What is the significance of the song’s recorded outro?
Answer 14: The recorded outro, with its funny and fourth-wall-breaking ad-libs, is significant because it established the playful, improvisational spirit that became the song’s hallmark. It set the stage for the live tradition that would eventually make the song famous.
Question 15: What does it mean when she changes his contact to “Don’t Leave Me Alone”?
Answer 15: This is a humorous and self-aware exaggeration of her feelings. It shows that she is so attached to him already that she is playfully acknowledging her own “clingy” tendencies, highlighting the intensity of her new crush.
Question 16: Is there a deeper, more serious meaning to “Nonsense”?
Answer 16: While the song is primarily lighthearted, its deeper meaning lies in its celebration of vulnerability. Allowing yourself to be so smitten that you act silly and “nonsensical” is an act of opening yourself up to another person, which is a beautiful and essential part of falling in love.
Question 17: How does spelling out “L-O-V-E” in the second verse contribute to the song’s feel?
Answer 17: Spelling out the word “love” is a deliberately cute and almost childlike gesture. It contributes to the song’s theme of pure, uncomplicated infatuation, framing her feelings as something as simple and joyful as learning to spell.
Question 18: What is the role of humor in the song?
Answer 18: Humor is essential to “Nonsense.” It’s used to make the narrator’s intense feelings feel relatable and charming rather than overwhelming or obsessive. The witty lines and playful tone invite the listener to laugh along with her giddy experience.
Question 19: Why do fans get so excited about the live “Nonsense” outros?
Answer 19: Fans get excited because each outro is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience created specifically for their city. It’s an inside joke shared between Sabrina and the audience, making each performance feel special and creating a strong sense of community among her fanbase.
Question 20: What is the ultimate message of “Nonsense”?
Answer 20: The ultimate message of “Nonsense” is to embrace the joyful, silly, and slightly out-of-control feelings that come with falling for someone. It’s a reminder that love doesn’t always have to be serious and that there is profound happiness to be found in a little bit of nonsense.