What Was That

The song captures the bittersweet essence of looking back at a relationship that felt intense but ultimately wasn't fulfilling. Lorde reflects on moments that seem magical at the time but fade into confusion and longing. There's a sense of grappling with the past while trying to navigate the present, which many of us can relate to when we think about lost love.

Verse 1

A place in the city, a chair in the bed
I cover up all the mirrors, I can't see myself yet
I wear smoke like a wedding veil
Make a meal I won't eat

In this opening verse, Lorde paints a picture of isolation and emotional struggle. The chair in the bed suggests a sense of emptiness, hinting that someone important is missing. Covering the mirrors indicates a desire to avoid self-reflection, as she's not ready to confront her feelings. Wearing smoke like a wedding veil adds a layer of complexity; it symbolizes something that should feel beautiful but is actually hazy and unclear. The line about making a meal she won't eat emphasizes the disconnect between her actions and feelings, showing that she’s going through the motions without engaging with her emotions.

Chorus

It comes over me
Oh, I'm missing you
Yeah, I'm missing you
And all the things we used to do

The chorus hits hard with a straightforward admission of longing. Lorde expresses that the memories of the past are overwhelming, and she misses not just the person but the experiences they shared. This part captures the essence of nostalgia, it's a mix of sweet and painful, as she recalls the good times while feeling the emptiness in the present. It’s a universal feeling, and Lorde nails that emotional tug-of-war between what was and what is.

Verse 2

MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up
We kissed for hours straight
Well baby, what was that?
I remember saying then “This is the best cigarette of my life”

Here, Lorde takes us back to a vivid memory filled with youthful abandon and excitement. The mention of MDMA and kissing for hours creates an image of a wild, carefree time. It feels intense and almost euphoric, but the question “what was that?” implies a sense of disbelief or confusion about those moments. It’s like she’s questioning the significance of it all, was it real, or just a fleeting high? The cigarette line adds a nostalgic touch, hinting at the simple pleasures that often accompany deep connections.

Chorus

Well, I want you just like that
Indio haze, we're in a sandstorm
And it knocks me out
I didn't know then that you'd never be enough for me

In this chorus, Lorde contrasts the high of those memories with the realization that the relationship was never fulfilling enough. The imagery of a sandstorm captures the chaos of emotions and experiences. She acknowledges that, despite the intensity of the moments, there was always something missing. This adds depth to her longing, she wants the magic back but knows it wasn’t sustainable. It’s a tough realization that many face after a passionate relationship fades.

Bridge

Since I was seventeen, I gave you everything
Now, we wake from a dream
Well, baby, what was that?

The bridge reveals a deeper layer of vulnerability. Lorde reflects on how much she invested in the relationship since she was young. The phrase “we wake from a dream” suggests a harsh awakening to reality after being lost in the fantasy of love. This moment of clarity is bittersweet, as it forces her to confront the truth about their connection. The repetition of “what was that?” emphasizes her ongoing confusion and desire for clarity.

Outro

'Cause I want you just like that
(When I'm in the blue light, I can make it alright)
What was that?
(When I'm in the blue light, I can make it alright)
Baby, what was that?

In the outro, she circles back to the longing she feels, suggesting that even in moments of clarity, she still craves the past. The blue light symbolizes a space where she feels more herself, hinting at moments of comfort and healing. Yet, the lingering question of “what was that?” shows she’s still grappling with her memories and feelings. It leaves the listener with an open-ended sentiment, reflecting that some questions in love may never get answered.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, "What Was That" captures the complexities of love and loss with relatable honesty. Lorde's ability to blend vivid imagery with raw emotion makes us feel her confusion and nostalgia. It’s a reminder that while memories can be beautiful, they can also leave us longing for something that might never return.