What Was That Lyrics — Lorde

Song overview

Song metadata

• Featuring Artist: None
• Producer: Lorde, Jim-E Stack, Dan Nigro
• Writer: Lorde, Jim-E Stack
• Release date: April 24, 2025
• Musical Instruments: Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Synthesizer, Drums, Keyboards
• Label: Universal Music New Zealand Limited
• Musical Genre: Indie Pop, Electropop, Synth-Pop
• Album: Expected to be part of Lorde's fourth studio album
• Language: English
• Mood: Introspective, Nostalgic, Emotional
• Tags: Pop, Indie Pop, Indietronica, Future Garage, UK Garage, Electropop, Dance-Pop, Alternative Pop, Alternative, Synth-Pop

Lyrics analysis and meaning

Lorde officially joined TikTok on April 9, 2025, and used her very first post to tease a new track titled "What Was That." In the short clip, she’s seen strolling through New York’s Washington Square Park—a casual moment that turned out to be the prelude to something much bigger. Later that day, she surprised fans by performing the song live during a fan meet-up at the same spot. "What Was That" marks the first glimpse into what’s rumored to be her fourth studio album. The song was released on April 24, 2025, alongside a music video that features intimate footage from that impromptu park performance. Lorde co-wrote the track with producer Jim-E Stack, and the two also co-produced it with Dan Nigro. In a raw and emotional post about the song’s creation, Lorde reflected on the moment in her life when it all came together: “Late 2023. Back in New York. Deep breakup. Stopping birth control. Every meal a battle. Flashbacks and waves. Feeling grief's vortex and letting it take me. Opening my mouth and recording what fell out. Jimmy shouting in the background. A thousand hours of audio embroidery. Dan telling us where the moog bass should go. Andrew giving it teeth. The night we finally got the drums right. The sound of my rebirth.” One standout lyric, "Indio haze, we're in a sandstorm," nods to Indio, California—the desert city that hosts the Coachella Music Festival—adding another layer of symbolism to this emotionally charged track.
What Was That is a full exploration of post-breakup introspection, capturing the lingering emotions and memories that persist long after a relationship ends. The song delves into themes of loss, nostalgia, and the struggle to move on, all set against a backdrop of vivid imagery and emotive soundscapes.

Verse 1

The opening lines paint a picture of solitude and self-reflection:

A place in the city
A chair and a bed
I cover up all the mirrors
I can't see myself yet

Here, the act of covering mirrors symbolizes an avoidance of self-confrontation, a common motif in mourning rituals, suggesting a deep sense of loss and grief.

Chorus

The chorus juxtaposes euphoric memories with the pain of realization:

MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up
We kissed for hours straight, well, baby, what was that?
I remember sayin' then, "This is the best cigarette of my life"
Well, I want you just like that

These lines evoke a sense of longing for the intense highs of a past relationship, now tinged with the awareness of its impermanence.

Verse 2

In the second verse, Lorde reflects on the omnipresence of her former partner's memory:

Do you know you're still with me
When I'm out with my friends?
I stare at the painted faces
That talk current affairs

This illustrates how the past continues to intrude upon the present, making it difficult to fully engage with the world around her.

Bridge

The bridge reveals an attempt to process and release these lingering emotions:

I tried to let whatever has to pass through me
Pass through, but this is stayin' a while, I know
It might not let me go

Despite efforts to move on, the emotional residue of the relationship remains, highlighting the complexity of healing.

Outro

The song concludes with a poignant question:

What was that?
Baby, what was that?

This repetition underscores the lingering confusion and the search for meaning in the aftermath of love lost.

Similar songs

1. Green Light by Lorde: This track shares thematic elements with "What Was That," exploring the aftermath of a breakup and the journey towards self-discovery. Both songs utilize vibrant imagery and dynamic production to convey emotional turbulence.
2. Liability by Lorde: "Liability" delves into feelings of self-doubt and the fear of being too much for others, resonating with the introspective nature of "What Was That." The minimalist arrangement in both tracks accentuates the vulnerability in Lorde's vocals.
3. Supercut by Lorde: This song reflects on idealized memories of a past relationship, similar to the nostalgic recollections in "What Was That." The upbeat tempo contrasts with the melancholic lyrics, creating a poignant juxtaposition.

Questions and answers

What does the line "I wear smoke like a wedding veil" signify?

This metaphor suggests a shroud of obscurity and denial, akin to the traditional veil worn at weddings. It implies a reluctance to face reality, possibly masking pain or loss.

Why does Lorde reference MDMA and a cigarette in the chorus?

These references evoke moments of intense euphoria and intimacy, highlighting the highs of the past relationship. They serve to contrast the current sense of emptiness and longing.

What is the significance of the recurring question, "What was that?"

This repeated query underscores the confusion and search for understanding following the end of a significant relationship. It reflects the struggle to make sense of past experiences and emotions.

Awards and chart positions

• Chart Debut: "What Was That" debuted on April 24, 2025, and rapidly climbed into the top 10 of the Spotify Global Top 50 within 48 hours of release.
• Streaming Milestone: Within its first week, it amassed over 10 million streams globally on Spotify alone, signaling a triumphant return for the New Zealand singer.
• Radio Airplay: Gained immediate traction on international pop and alternative radio formats, especially in the US, UK, and Australia.
• Music Video Impact: The visual release from Washington Square Park sparked viral moments across social media, especially TikTok, driving fan engagement and discussions worldwide.

Fan and media reactions

The synths! I'm in love already. Welcome back, Lorde <3

This is Green Light's older sister and I’m so here for it!

LORDE SUMMER WE’RE READYYYYYYY

Unparalleled levels of back.

Girls, boys and theys. Lorde is back.

The response from fans has been immediate and emotionally charged, with many praising the evolution of Lorde’s sound while drawing nostalgic parallels to her "Melodrama" era. The synth-driven production and raw emotional storytelling have drawn comparisons to “Green Light” and “Supercut,” sparking theories and discussions about Lorde's narrative progression. Critics noted the song as a compelling blend of personal revelation and musical innovation, lauding the artist's bravery in confronting deeply personal topics with such poetic ferocity. The comeback has been described as nothing short of seismic—"unparalleled levels of back," as one fan phrased it—highlighting the anticipation and love that continue to surround Lorde’s every move.