What Was That by Lorde | Song Review & Lyric Meaning

What Was That by Lorde: A Haunting Reflection on Love and Loss

Lorde has always had a way of capturing emotions in their rawest form, and What Was That is no exception. The song, a synth-pop anthem drenched in nostalgia and regret, explores the aftermath of a breakup with striking imagery and poetic lyricism. But how does it hold up from a literary perspective? Let’s break it down through three key categories: Creativity, Structure, and Storytelling.

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Creativity: A

Lorde’s songwriting has always leaned into evocative, almost cinematic imagery, and What Was That continues that tradition. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of post-breakup disorientation—“A place in the city, a chair and a bed / I cover up all the mirrors, can't see myself yet”—setting the tone for a song steeped in emotional turbulence.

One of the most striking lines, “MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up / We kissed for hours straight, well, baby, what was that?”, juxtaposes euphoria with heartbreak, making the listener question whether the relationship was ever real or just a fleeting high. The use of sensory details—light, touch, and even the taste of a cigarette—grounds the song in tangible experiences, making it feel deeply personal.

However, while the imagery is strong, the song doesn’t necessarily break new ground in terms of theme. The idea of reminiscing about a lost love through fragmented memories is familiar territory, and while Lorde executes it beautifully, it doesn’t feel revolutionary.

Structure: B+

The song follows a fairly standard structure, alternating between verses, pre-choruses, and choruses. While this format is effective, it doesn’t introduce any unexpected shifts or standout moments that elevate the song structurally.

One of the more compelling elements is the repetition of the phrase “What was that?”, which serves as both a lyrical anchor and an emotional refrain. This repetition reinforces the song’s theme of uncertainty—was the relationship meaningful, or was it just a fleeting illusion? However, the song could have benefited from a bridge or a shift in melody to break up the predictability.

Storytelling: A

Where What Was That truly shines is in its storytelling. Lorde doesn’t just recount a breakup—she immerses the listener in the emotional aftermath, making them feel the weight of longing and confusion. The song’s fragmented memories mirror the way heartbreak often distorts time, making past moments feel simultaneously vivid and distant.

The second verse introduces an interesting shift, where Lorde acknowledges the lingering presence of her lost love even in social settings—“Do you know you're still with me when I'm out with my friends?”. This subtle detail adds depth to the narrative, showing how heartbreak lingers even in moments meant for distraction.

While the song doesn’t offer a resolution, that feels intentional. The lack of closure mirrors the reality of many breakups—sometimes, there’s no neat ending, just lingering questions.

Final Thoughts

What Was That is a beautifully crafted song that captures the disorienting nature of heartbreak with poetic lyricism and haunting melodies. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel in terms of structure or theme, its storytelling and emotional depth make it a standout track. Lorde continues to prove why she’s one of the most compelling songwriters of her generation. What Was That may not be her most groundbreaking work, but it’s undeniably powerful in its ability to make listeners feel the weight of love lost.