Lorde has made her much – anticipated return. After a four – year hiatus, the talented New Zealand singer has finally dropped a brand – new single, “What Was That,” which serves as a tantalizing preview of her fourth album, scheduled to be released this year. Unsurprisingly, the song has sent fans into a frenzy of excitement and curiosity. The lyrics, in particular, seem to hold profound significance, delving into the theme of heartbreak, making it crucial to decipher the story behind them. In this article, we’ll uncover all the details, and you’ll also find the complete lyrics and the official video further down.
“What Was That”: the song lyrics & their meaning
“What Was That” delves into the aftermath of an extensive love affair that comes to an end, leaving one feeling bewildered and adrift. Through the lyrics, Lorde contemplates her current life and reflects on the significance of that multi – year relationship. The question “What Was That?” echoes throughout the chorus, questioning the purpose of all that passion and intensity if the relationship was fated to conclude.
The individual in question clearly held a pivotal place in Lorde’s life. The lyrics of “What Was That” reveal that the two have known each other since she was 17, and she gave her all to the relationship. There are even hints at a potential marriage that ultimately never came to fruition:
Since l was seventeen, I gave you everything
Now, we wake from a dream
Well, baby, what was that?
Now, we wake from a dream
Well, baby, what was that?
I cover up all the mirrors, I can’t see myself yet
I wear smoke like a wedding veil
I wear smoke like a wedding veil
It’s highly likely that Lorde is referring to music promoter Justin Warren. The pair actually crossed paths in 2009 and embarked on a committed relationship around 2015. In 2019, Lorde was spotted wearing a ring, leading many to speculate that she and Justin were on the verge of getting married. However, in 2023, Lorde disclosed to her fans that she had just ended a long – term romantic relationship. “What Was That” marks her first single release since then, so it’s only fitting that it encapsulates the intense emotions she has endured over the past few years.
Oh, I’m missing you
Yeah, I’m missing you
And all the things we used to do
Yeah, I’m missing you
And all the things we used to do
The song takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the unforgettable moments Lorde shared with her former partner. From hours – long kissing sessions, to taking MDMA together and surrendering to the sensations (the singer has previously been open about using ecstasy), and attending concerts side by side, Lorde truly intertwined her life with his. Now that he’s no longer by her side, all that remains is that all – too – familiar void that seems impossible to fill. Healing takes time—sometimes an extended period. And Lorde fears that this lingering sadness may never fully dissipate.
MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up
We kissed for hours straight, well, baby, what was that?
We kissed for hours straight, well, baby, what was that?
When I’m in the blue light, down at Baby’s All Right
I face reality
I tried (I tried) to let (To let)
Whatever has to pass through me, pass through
But this is staying a while, I know
It might not let me go
I face reality
I tried (I tried) to let (To let)
Whatever has to pass through me, pass through
But this is staying a while, I know
It might not let me go
They say time heals all wounds, but for Lorde, it seems the process of mending a broken heart is still ongoing. And that’s precisely the underlying message of “What Was That” and its lyrics: I poured so much of myself into our relationship, experiencing some of the most intense moments of my life, and now, with you gone, I’m left in a state of confusion and emptiness. As we eagerly await the release of the new album and its accompanying songs, we’ll see if Lorde has gained any new perspectives. Rest assured, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.