The Intrinsic Meaning Behind the Lorde Song: Ribs
The Artistry of Lorde
If you are unfamiliar with Lorde, it’s about time you start listening. Lorde, whose real name is Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, is a New Zealand singer/songwriter whose songs are known for their deep and thought-provoking lyrics. Her popularity skyrocketed with the release of her debut single, “Royals,” which remained atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine consecutive weeks. However, “Ribs” is another gem in Lorde’s music catalog.
The Story of Ribs
“Ribs” is a song from Lorde’s debut studio album, “Pure Heroine,” released in 2013. “Ribs” explores the bittersweet feeling of growing up, particularly the realization of the impermanence of everything, something that can only be experienced through the passing of time. Lorde’s lyrics push listeners to reflect on the emotions one feels when they’re growing up and how those emotions affect us as we go along with life.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The song begins with Lorde’s soft, haunting voice: “The drink you spilt all over me / ‘Lovers spit,’ left me to decay.” Here, Lorde uses these “lovers” as a metaphor for time, which consumes everything it touches, slowly reducing them to nothing. The “drink” spilt over her signifies the tainting of the pureness and innocence of childhood by the harsh realities of adulthood.
As the song progresses, Lorde offers more insight into the hidden message: “Now, we’re wearing long sleeves and the heating comes on / (You buy me orange juice), we’re getting good at this.” Here, Lorde vividly describes the progression of time through the changing of seasons, as well as the ongoing process of growing up and adapting to the new surroundings.
In the chorus, Lorde expresses the incessant yet elusive nature of time, saying, “It drives you crazy, getting old / We can talk it so good, we can make it so divine / I’ll give you my best side, tell you all my best lies / Yeah, awesome right? / I can let you down like one, two, three.”
Lorde begins to reflect on the uncertainties that come with the passage of time. “It feels so scary getting old”, she sings, reflecting on the fear and anxiety that comes with growing up. She expresses this feeling of longing, loss, and acceptance with the line, “It’s just another graceless night / I hate the headlines and the weather.”
Finally, the song takes an unexpected turn when it reaches its peak with an outburst of emotion through Lorde’s voice, “And I’m gonna live like I’m gonna die young / (Because) I’ve got my hope, I’ve got my trust.” It’s here that we see Lorde’s declaration of acceptance as she chooses to embrace everything life has to offer, even though it can be unfair and uncertain.
Conclusion
“Ribs” is an insightfully vulnerable piece that pulls at the heartstrings. Lorde’s lyrics are transparent, expressing vulnerability through honesty. The song communicates an important message about the passage of time and the inevitability of change. It expresses the enduring human impulse to hold onto the past and the innocence of youth, only to realize that time marches on. Lorde’s artistry shows that the journey of growing up is filled with challenges, victories, and losses, but there is still hope for a fulfilling life. Through “Ribs,” Lorde conveys that we can still have strength and courage to embrace a future full of new experiences, even with the fear of the unknown.
