Meaning of “Royals” by Lorde (2023)

Let’s talk about opulence in music. It’s been around for about two decades now, and you’ve probably noticed vocalists boasting about their luxurious lifestyles – whether real or fictional. But sometimes, listeners don’t quite vibe with that message. They might feel a bit sentimental, comparing their own less-than-rich lives to what’s being promoted and feeling uncomfortable as a result.

That’s where Lorde’s hit song “Royals” comes in. She’s not about to sing about fancy cars and private jets like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lana Del Rey were doing at the time. 

Instead, she talks about her own humble beginnings and the type of surroundings she grew up in. It was a refreshing take on a music genre that had become saturated with messages of wealth and excess. 

So, if you’re ever feeling a bit down about your own situation, just remember that even the biggest stars can appreciate the simple life too.

To learn more about Lorde, read her biography here.

Lorde’s “Royals” Challenges Materialism in the Music Industry

When it comes to music, there’s a basic truth that “Royals” by Lorde speaks to: many people who enjoy music like hers will likely never experience the extravagant lifestyles that artists often sing about. The music industry has become oversaturated with materialistic content, but Lorde and her friends are not interested in adopting this mindset. They crave a different kind of buzz that doesn’t involve the pursuit of wealth and fame.

As Lorde puts it, they “will never be royals,” and they’re okay with that. They’re not aspiring to be among the rich and famous. In fact, the abundance of music related to those topics can be irritating to people like her.

So, while there are listeners who admire the stories of the ultra-rich, Lorde challenges this materialistic culture in the music industry. She and her crew are simply looking for something different from an artistic and ideological standpoint.

Understanding Lorde’s Message in “Royals”

So, there’s been some discussion about what Lorde meant in her song “Royals.” Some people have suggested that she’s expressing a dislike for the upper classes, but that’s not quite it. In fact, what Lorde is really getting at is that she and her friends simply love life.

When Lorde talks about not being interested in riches or material possessions, she’s not saying that those things are bad. She’s just saying that they’re not necessary for her to enjoy life. For Lorde, the simple things in life are enough. And in the context of the song, she sees herself as the “queen” of that kind of lifestyle.

Overall, “Royals” is a song about finding joy in the everyday. It’s a celebration of the small things that make life worth living. So, if you’re ever feeling down or like you’re not living up to some kind of ideal, just remember that you can find happiness in the simple things too.

“Interpreting Lorde’s ‘Royals’ beyond its meaning”

So, you might have heard that some people have taken Lorde’s song “Royals” and tried to make it all about class struggles or income inequality. But, to be honest, that’s kind of a stretch.

When Lorde sings about not wanting to be a part of that “royal” lifestyle, she’s not really dissing on people who are richer or have a higher social status than her. What she’s really trying to do is call out the music industry (and maybe even pop culture in general) for pushing materialism so hard.

Her message is that you don’t need to be wealthy to be happy – in fact, life itself is pretty enjoyable if you just look for the right things. So, let’s not read too much into the song and just enjoy it for what it is!

You may also check out our list of Lorde’s best songs here.

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