Released: 2024
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” is a fun and flirty pop song that captures the thrill of young love and attraction. The lyrics play with coffee metaphors, linking the buzz of romance to the energy of espresso, while also nodding to the playful aspects of dating. It’s all about feeling desirable and being the center of someone’s attention, and it comes off with a cheeky charm.
The opening lines reveal a guy who’s obsessed, thinking about the singer every night. The phrase ‘that’s that me espresso’ cleverly connects his infatuation to the stimulating effect of coffee. The mention of not being able to sleep indicates his restlessness, hinting that she’s on his mind all the time. Then she gets playful with gaming references, saying to ‘move it up, down, left, right’ like a Nintendo game, mixing flirty language with pop culture references that resonate with her audience.
As the song progresses, Sabrina shares her carefree attitude towards desperation. She says, “My ‘give-a-fucks’ are on vacation,” meaning she isn’t stressed about dating or love. She seems confident and in control. She has a boy who’s infatuated with her, and she recognizes that his behavior confirms her charm. There’s a subtle shade thrown at his ex, implying she doesn’t compare to Sabrina’s appeal.
The chorus repeats, emphasizing that he can’t stop thinking about her, which ties back to the coffee metaphor—’that me espresso’—highlighting the intoxicating nature of their connection. The playful line about her humor making him laugh showcases her personality and ability to draw him in. There’s also a nod to her career, indicating she’s busy with singing, but still manages to capture his heart.
In the latter part, the lyrics become even more personal. Lines about ‘soft skin’ and ‘perfumed it for ya’ illustrate the intimate and romantic moments they share. The metaphor of brewing coffee suggests that she brings warmth and comfort into his life. By repeating the catchy hook, she reinforces the central theme of being the stimulating force in his life, making him feel energized and alive, just like a shot of espresso.
