Lorde’s new song “What Was That” explores youth, love & nostalgia. Dive into her lyrics, meaning, music video, and what’s next in her musical journey.


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🎧 Lorde’s Return: A New Chapter Begins

After a four-year hiatus following Solar Power (2021), Lorde returns with her brand-new single “What Was That,” released on April 24, 2025. The song offers a reflective look at youthful indulgence, fleeting romance, and emotional introspection—something Lorde has always painted vividly through her lyrics.

Rather than leaning into nature and minimalism as she did with Solar Power, this new track shifts back toward a dreamy, synth-driven pop sound, echoing the energy of Melodrama while carving out its own identity.

🎶 A Lyrical Snapshot of “What Was That”

One of the most talked-about lines in the track is:

“MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up /
We kissed for hours straight, well baby, what was that?”

This line encapsulates the feeling of surreal passion and post-party haze. It’s a window into a moment that’s both intimate and disorienting—something many fans say captures Lorde's gift for translating raw emotions into poetic imagery.

Unlike her earlier acoustic work, the production here is airy yet electronic, reminiscent of Tame Impala or even Blood Orange, sparking rumors about collaborative production on future tracks.

🎤 Surprise Appearance in NYC: A Fan Moment to Remember

Just two days before the song’s official drop, Lorde surprised fans by showing up in Washington Square Park, NYC. Although the unannounced event faced a brief police shutdown due to lack of permits, Lorde made it back later and delivered an impromptu acoustic version of the song—proving once again that her connection with fans is genuine and unfiltered.

Also spotted during the event was Dev Hynes (aka Blood Orange), suggesting he may be a collaborator on her upcoming project. This appearance wasn't just a marketing stunt—it was a powerful, unpolished performance that rekindled the intimacy Lorde is known for.

📺 Music Video: Visuals that Match the Mood

Released alongside the single, the music video features cinematic, melancholic visuals—sunset-hued scenes, blurred cityscapes, and nostalgic slow-motion shots of teenage rebellion and soft heartbreak. It’s visual poetry, mirroring the song’s emotional duality.

Whether she’s staring through rain-soaked windows or dancing under flickering lights, Lorde uses this video to underline the themes of disconnection and wonder that run through the lyrics.

📅 What’s Next: Is a Full Album Coming?

While there’s no official announcement of a full-length album yet, “What Was That” seems to be a teaser for more music to come. Lorde’s recent interviews have hinted at a “reset” in her creative process—one that might lead to her most experimental work yet.

Fans are already buzzing online with speculation about themes, tracklists, and potential collaborations. If this single is any indication, Lorde’s next project may blend the emotional depth of Melodrama with the sonic evolution of Solar Power—but even bolder.

🙌 A Song That Feels Like a Question

Lorde’s What Was That is more than a song—it’s an emotional timestamp. The lyrics don’t give all the answers; they ask questions we all relate to—What was that night? That feeling? That person?

If you’ve ever had a moment so vivid yet hard to explain, Lorde just wrote your soundtrack.

📲 Want more updates on Lorde’s upcoming music? Follow us for lyrical breakdowns, news, and exclusive artist insights!

FAQ

Lorde’s lyrics dive into themes of nostalgia, euphoria, and confusion, with vivid imagery like “MDMA in the back garden” and “We kissed for hours straight.”

The song explores fleeting moments of youth and love, blending real-life emotions with dream-like introspection.

The single was officially released on April 24, 2025.

Yes, Lorde performed the song live in a surprise acoustic session at Washington Square Park, NYC, on April 22, 2025.

While not officially confirmed, Dev Hynes (Blood Orange) is rumored to be involved in production or collaboration.

As of now, Lorde hasn’t announced an album, but fans suspect this is the first single from an upcoming project.

The music video is rich in emotional and nostalgic visuals, aligning perfectly with the song’s introspective lyrics.

Fans and critics alike have praised the emotional depth and sonic shift, calling it a “return to form” for Lorde.

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