Leave Me Alone (Reneé Rapp song)
"Leave Me Alone" | ||||
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Single by Reneé Rapp | ||||
from the album Bite Me | ||||
Released | May 21, 2025 | |||
Genre | Pop | |||
Length | 2:21 | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) |
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Reneé Rapp singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Leave Me Alone" on YouTube |
"Leave Me Alone" is a song by American singer Reneé Rapp. It was released on May 21, 2025 as the lead single from her second studio album, Bite Me (2025). The song introduces a shift from the cinematic ballad style of her debut album Snow Angel (2023), incorporating funky, club-inspired production and a more playful, bold lyrical tone. Drawing on elements of early 2010s and 2000s pop, it reflects a different facet of Rapp's musical identity. The release followed a teaser campaign and signals the beginning of a new era in her artistic direction.
Background
Following the release of the Mean Girls musical film soundtrack,[1] Reneé Rapp began teasing new solo material on social media, including a snippet of her upcoming single with the lyric "I'm a real bad girl / But a real good kisser."[2] Alongside promotional posters and merchandise, she hinted at the title of her forthcoming second studio album, Bite Me, generating anticipation among fans.[3] Earlier in the month, a teaser campaign was launched featuring the debut of the Bite.me website and social media promotions from public figures such as Paris Hilton, Charlize Theron, and Monica Lewinsky.[4] "Leave Me Alone" marks Rapp's first release since her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on "Not My Fault", featured on the Mean Girls soundtrack. The two artists also performed the track together on Saturday Night Live.[4]
After first appearing as Leighton in The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021),[5] she exited the show during its third season, which aired in 2024. In a February 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Rapp described the experience as emotionally challenging, noting the parallels between her character's journey and her own process of coming to terms with her sexuality. She stated, "That [show] was the most parallel experience in my life," recalling filming a pivotal coming-out scene that she described as deeply personal.[6] Rapp's character departed the series in season three to transfer to MIT, and the show was officially canceled after that season.[7]
Promotion
During a performance at the American Music Awards of 2025, which was held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, she was introduced by Jake Shane and began her set in front of a makeshift bathroom mirror with three dancers.[8] After singing the line "I'm a real bad girl but a real good kisser," she broke out of the set and was joined by seven dancers, performing "Leave Me Alone" in a corseted top and gold belts. At one point, she lay down as a bird's-eye camera captured her while she sang revised lyrics, including "My ex walked in and my other ex with her... Leave me alone, babe, I wanna have fun."[9] She later joined her backing band, who wore white T-shirts with the phrase "I Would Die for Reneé Rapp" printed in all caps.[8]
Composition
"Leave Me Alone" incorporates funky, club-influenced production and presents a sound that differs from the cinematic balladry of Snow Angel.[2] The track features layered vocals, echo effects, and spontaneous background elements that contribute to a lively, late-night atmosphere. Lyrically, it combines humor and assertiveness, with references to early 2010s pop sensibilities. The song highlights a more playful and energetic aspect of Rapp's artistry while maintaining her established vocal presence.[2] Described as a provocative and rebellious pop track,[10] it begins with the line, "I'm a real bad girl but a real good kisser / Leave me alone, bitch, I wanna have fun," offering a glimpse into the more playful and uninhibited tone of her new musical chapter.[10][5][6] Teen Vogue described the track as a brash, fun pop hit, evoking early 2000s nostalgia reminiscent of P!nk's M!ssundaztood, with elements also likened to the style of Olivia Rodrigo.[11]
Charts
Chart (2025) | Peak position |
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Estonia Airplay (TopHit)[12] | 70 |
Ireland (IRMA)[13] | 84 |
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[14] | 8 |
UK Singles (OCC)[15] | 69 |
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)[16] | 20 |
References
- ^ Paul, Larisha (May 21, 2025). "Reneé Rapp Comes Back to Break NDAS And Spill Secrets on New Sinfle 'Leave Me Alone'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c Richey, Vivian (May 21, 2025). "Reneé Rapp enters a new era with "Leave Me Alone"". Melodic Magazine. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ Olson, Samantha (May 22, 2025). "Reneé Rapp's "Leave Me Alone" Lyrics Are More Than Enough Proof She Won the IDGAF War". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ a b Taylor, Sam (May 21, 2025). "Reneé Rapp has released new single 'Leave Me Alone' and announced her second album, 'Bite Me'". Dork. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ a b Irvin, Jack (May 21, 2025). "Is Reneé Rapp Throwing Shade at The Sex Lives of College Girls on Her New Single 'Leave Me Alone'? See the Spicy Lyric". People. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ a b Parkel, Inga (May 22, 2025). "Reneé Rapp appears to shade Sex Lives of College Girls after leaving to focus on music". The Independent. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ Thomas, Carly (May 21, 2025). "Reneé Rapp Seemingly Disses 'The Sex Lives of College Girls' in New Single "Leave Me Alone"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ a b Rowley, Glenn (May 26, 2025). "Reneé Rapp Serves Up Sass with 'Leave Me Alone' at 2025 American Music Awards". Billboard. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ Paul, Larisha; Mier, Tomás (May 26, 2025). "Reneé Rapp Gets Sexy at the AMAs with Live Debut of 'Leave Me Alone'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ a b Pilley, Max (May 25, 2025). "Reneé Rapp returns with rebellious new single 'Leave Me Alone' and announces second album 'Bite Me'". NME. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ "Reneé Rapp Slipped a Sex Lives of College Girls Diss Into 'Leave Me Alone' Lyrics". Teen Vogue. May 21, 2025. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ Top Radio Hits Estonia Weekly Chart. TopHit. June 13, 2025. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts (Week 22, 2025)". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. May 30, 2025. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Bubbling Under Hot 100: Week of June 7, 2025". Billboard. Retrieved June 3, 2025.