“Royals” by Lorde is the breakout single that catapulted the New Zealand singer-songwriter to international fame. Released in 2013 as part of her debut EP “The Love Club” and later included on her first studio album “Pure Heroine,” the song stands out for its minimalist production, sharp lyrics, and mature vocal delivery. At just 16 years old, Lorde, whose real name is Ella Yelich-O’Connor, co-wrote “Royals” with producer Joel Little, creating a track that resonated with audiences worldwide and earned critical acclaim.
Musically, “Royals” is characterized by its sparse, percussion-driven arrangement. The production is minimalistic, featuring a simple beat, hand claps, and finger snaps, which provide a stark backdrop for Lorde’s distinctive voice. This stripped-down approach allows the focus to remain on the song’s lyrics and Lorde’s vocal performance, which is both understated and powerful. Her voice carries a sense of maturity and confidence, delivering each line with a mix of cool detachment and quiet intensity.
Lyrically, “Royals” offers a critique of the ostentatious displays of wealth and luxury often glamorized in contemporary pop and hip-hop music. Lorde contrasts her own mundane experiences with the extravagant lifestyles depicted in popular culture, singing about “gold teeth, Grey Goose, trippin’ in the bathroom” and “Cristal, Maybach, diamonds on your timepiece.” The chorus, with its declaration “And we’ll never be royals / It don’t run in our blood,” emphasizes a sense of pride in her ordinary, middle-class upbringing. The song’s themes of authenticity and rejection of materialism struck a chord with a wide audience, particularly among young listeners who identified with Lorde’s perspective.
“Royals” quickly became a commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand. The song’s widespread popularity was bolstered by its unique sound and relatable message, setting it apart from the more lavish productions dominating the charts at the time. It also earned Lorde several prestigious awards, including two Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance in 2014.
The music video for “Royals,” directed by Joel Kefali, further emphasizes the song’s themes of simplicity and realism. It features everyday scenes of suburban life, with a focus on ordinary teenagers going about their routines, contrasted with the opulent imagery often associated with pop stardom. This visual approach complements the song’s lyrical content, reinforcing Lorde’s message of finding value and meaning beyond material wealth.
Overall, “Royals” is a landmark song that not only launched Lorde’s career but also made a significant impact on the music industry. Its success demonstrated the power of authenticity and minimalism in a genre often characterized by excess and extravagance. The song’s lasting influence can be seen in the continued popularity of more introspective and socially conscious pop music. “Royals” remains a defining track in Lorde’s discography, showcasing her talent for sharp, insightful songwriting and her unique voice in the world of contemporary music.
Lyrics:
[Produced by Joel Little]
[Video by Joel Kefali]
[Verse 1]
I’ve never seen a diamond in the flesh
I cut my teeth on wedding rings in the movies
And I’m not proud of my address
In a torn up town, no postcode envy
[Pre-Chorus]
But every song’s like
Gold teeth, Grey Goose, trippin’ in the bathroom
Bloodstains, ball gowns, trashin’ the hotel room
We don’t care; we’re driving Cadillacs in our dreams
But everybody’s like
Cristal, Maybach, diamonds on your timepiece
Jet planes, islands, tiger’s on a gold leash
We don’t care; we aren’t caught up in your love affair
[Chorus]
And we’ll never be royals (Royals)
It don’t run in our blood
That kind of luxe just ain’t for us
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler (Ruler)
You can call me queen bee
And baby, I’ll rule (I’ll rule, I’ll rule, I’ll rule)
Let me live that fantasy
[Verse 2]
My friends and I, we’ve cracked the code
We count our dollars on the train to the party
And everyone who knows us knows
That we’re fine with this
We didn’t come from money
[Pre-Chorus]
But every song’s like
Gold teeth, Grey Goose, trippin’ in the bathroom
Bloodstains, ball gowns, trashin’ the hotel room
We don’t care; we’re driving Cadillacs in our dreams
But everybody’s like
Cristal, Maybach, diamonds on your timepiece
Jet planes, islands, tiger’s on a gold leash
We don’t care; we aren’t caught up in your love affair
[Chorus]
And we’ll never be royals (Royals)
It don’t run in our blood
That kind of luxe just ain’t for us
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler (Ruler)
You can call me queen bee
And baby, I’ll rule (I’ll rule, I’ll rule, I’ll rule)
Let me live that fantasy
[Bridge]
(Oh, oh-oh)
We’re bigger than we ever dreamed
And I’m in love with being queen
(Oh, oh-oh)
Life is great without a care
We aren’t caught up in your love affair
[Chorus]
And we’ll never be royals (Royals)
It don’t run in our blood
That kind of luxe just ain’t for us
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler (Ruler)
You can call me queen bee
And baby, I’ll rule (I’ll rule, I’ll rule, I’ll rule)
Let me live that fantasy
Tags: Lorde