The Meaning Behind “Stateside” by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson and How They Navigate Long-Distance Relationships

Swedish singer Zara Larsson joins PinkPantheress on a remix of the British singer’s “Stateside”. The song follows PinkPantheress as she navigates the difficulties of an international relationship.

With Larsson on board, the pair focus their attention on America. And together, they document both the thrill and apprehension of enduring a long-distance romance. The song first appeared on PinkPantheress’s 2025 mixtape, Fancy That.

You Can Be My American

PinkPantheress becomes smitten with an American boy. But there’s much anxiety and vulnerability that comes with her new romance.

I’m freezing outside, I feel my skin tight,
My coat is inside, but I look up at you.
I tracked your plane ride for when you’re in tonight,
Tell me, when is the next time I’ll run into you?
It sounds insane, right? I’ll take the same flight,
Wait at your bedside. I’ll land right next to you.
I’m going stateside, where I’ll see you tonight.
Tell me, how did a girl like me get into you?

When each person lives on separate continents, it makes the longing more intense, frantic, too difficult to ignore.

You can be my American ha, ha, ha, ha.

Here, she feels a loss of control. Everything’s new and scary, but the fear is exciting too.

Is it right? I don’t know,
Yet you’re taking my control.
Never been abroad before,
Now I’m knocking through your door.

I’m Flying Intercontinental

Long-distance relationships are hard. And if the girl flies over an ocean to see the boy, then he better be clear how he feels.

Why can’t you say that you want it too?
I’m flying intercontinental with you.
And maybe you can be my American ha, ha boy.

Meanwhile, Larsson sings about the cost of an international career, and how constant travel has transformed her relationship into a long-distance one.

All those years I put in for the American Dream,
Is it worth all the work if you can’t be here with me?
’Cause I fly Stockholm to L.A., leave my feelings on the plane,
Worries fade away when I hit the stage.

While on tour, Larsson chats with her Swedish boyfriend via FaceTime. It’s the opposite of PinkPantheress’s dilemma, who must travel to see her American boyfriend in person.

Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella