XS (song)


"XS" is a song by Japanese-British singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama, released on 2 March 2020, as the third single off of her debut studio album, Sawayama, via the label Dirty Hit. The song criticises capitalism in the face of climate change. A remix featuring British singer-rapper Bree Runway, was released on 10 July 2020.

Background, themes and composition

Sawayama said in a statement that "XS" is a song that "mocks capitalism in a sinking world":
"XS" is a 2000s-inspired pop, R&B and avant-pop song with "upbeat bubblegum pop vibes" composed in the key of D minor with a tempo of 117 beats per minute. It begins with an "eerie" buildup of violins, while a "shredding" guitar riff appears before and after the chorus.

Music video

The music video for "XS" was uploaded on YouTube on 17 April 2020, the same day as Sawayama's self-titled debut album. It currently has over 3 million views, making it the most-viewed video on Sawayama's channel. It was directed by Ali Kurr, who had also previously directed the music video for her other single, "STFU!".
In the video, Sawayama portrays a "QVC-like" "robotic" saleswoman who attends a shopping channel broadcast to promote a beverage named "RINA Water", which consists 99% of 24-karat gold and 1% of plasma. It is then later revealed that the liquid is extracted from a creature which is chained in an underground factory.

Track listing

  1. "XS" – 3:21
  1. "XS" – 3:22