“Mood Ring” by Lorde is a standout track from her third studio album, “Solar Power,” released in 2021. The song marks a departure from the darker, introspective themes of her previous work, embracing a lighter, more satirical tone. “Mood Ring” delves into the concept of wellness culture and the quest for spiritual enlightenment, blending Lorde’s sharp lyricism with a breezy, summery sound.
Musically, “Mood Ring” is characterized by its mellow, laid-back production that incorporates elements of folk-pop and psychedelic music. The song features soft acoustic guitar strums, gentle percussion, and ethereal harmonies, creating a serene and almost hypnotic atmosphere. This soothing soundscape contrasts with the song’s ironic and critical lyrics, showcasing Lorde’s ability to blend different moods and themes seamlessly.
Lyrically, “Mood Ring” explores the obsession with wellness trends and the superficial pursuit of happiness. Lorde adopts a satirical perspective, singing about crystal healing, astrology, and other new-age practices with a sense of irony. The chorus, with lines like “I can’t feel a thing, I keep looking at my mood ring,” highlights the emptiness and futility of seeking fulfillment through these superficial means. The song’s clever lyrics and Lorde’s nuanced delivery capture the dissonance between genuine spiritual seeking and the commodification of wellness culture.
The music video for “Mood Ring” further amplifies its themes with striking visuals. Directed by Lorde and Joel Kefali, the video features Lorde and a group of women engaging in various new-age activities, all bathed in soft, pastel hues. The imagery of crystals, tarot cards, and serene meditation scenes reinforces the song’s critique of the commodified wellness industry while maintaining a playful and aesthetically pleasing presentation.
“Mood Ring” received positive reviews from critics, who praised Lorde’s witty and insightful commentary on modern culture. The song’s light, airy production and satirical lyrics offer a fresh perspective within the broader context of “Solar Power,” which explores themes of nature, escapism, and personal growth. “Mood Ring” stands out as a track that combines thoughtful critique with an infectious, summery vibe, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Overall, “Mood Ring” exemplifies Lorde’s talent for blending sharp social commentary with engaging, genre-blending music. The track’s memorable melody, clever lyrics, and lush production make it a standout in her discography, reflecting her continued evolution as an artist and her ability to capture the complexities of contemporary life through her music.
Lorde – Mood Ring (Lyrics)
I’m tryna blow bubbles but inside
Can’t seem to fix my mood
Today it’s as dark as my roots
If I ever let them grow out
Now all of my oceans have riptides
Can’t seem to find what’s wrong
The whole world is letting me down
Don’t you think the early 2000s seem so far away?
Ladies, begin your sun salutations
Transcendental in your meditations
Love and light
You can burn sage, and I’ll cleanse the crystals
We can get high, but only if the wind blows
Just right
I can’t feel a thing
I keep looking at my mood ring
Tell me how I’m feeling
Floating away, floating away
I’m tryna get well from the inside
Plants and celebrity news
All the vitamins I consume
Let’s fly somewhere eastern, they’ll have what I need
Ladies, begin your sun salutations
Pluto in Scorpio generation
Love and light
You can burn sage, and I’ll cleanse the crystals
We can get high, but only if the wind blows
Just right
I can’t feel a thing
I keep looking at my mood ring
Tell me how I’m feeling
Floating away, floating away
All the sad girls sing
We’ll keep dancing til the mood rings
Tell us how we’re feeling
Floating away, floating away
Take me to some kinda place
Anywhere
Watch the sun set, look back on my life
I just wanna know, will it be alright?
Tags: Lorde