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Lorde - Glory and Gore
[Verse:]
There's a humming in the restless summer air
And we're slipping off the course that we prepared
But in all chaos, there is calculation
Dropping glasses just to hear them break
You've been drinking like the world was gonna end (it's ending)
Took a shiner from the fist of your best friend (go figure)
It's clear that someone's gotta go home
We mean it but I promise we're not mean
[Pre-Chorus:]
And the crowd goes loud (haa...)
They lose their minds for us
And how it plays out (haa...)
Now we're in the ring
And we're coming for blood
[Chorus:]
(Oh! Oh!)
You can try and take us (oh-oh)
But we're the gladiators (Oh! Oh!)
Everyone a ranger (oh-oh)
But secretly they're saviors
Glory and gore go hand in hand
That's why we're making headlines (Oh! Oh!)
You can try and take us (oh-oh)
But victory's contagious
[Verse 2:]
Tell a kid in every way but one (the swordplay)
God knows we like archaic kinds of fun (the old way)
Chance is the only game I play with, baby
We let our battles choose us
[Pre-Chorus + Chorus]
[Bridge:]
No one around here is good at keeping their eyes closed
The sun's starting to light up when we're walking home
Tired little laughs, gold, light promises, we'll always win at this
I don't ever think about death
It's alright if you do, it's fine
We gladiate but I guess we're really fighting ourselves
Roughing up our minds so we're ready when the kill time comes
Wide awake in bed, words in my brain, "Secretly you love this
Do you even wanna go free? "
Let me in the ring, I'll show you what that big word means
[Chorus:]
"Glory and Gore" is a metaphorical exploration of the human experience of life, specifically the intense highs and lows that come with it. The song seems to be discussing the notion of fame, power and conflict, and how they can be both exhilarating and destructive. The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics, describing a chaotic summer air and a path that's slipping away from the original plan. The chorus then speaks of "glory and gore" going hand in hand - a phrase that suggests the idea that to achieve greatness, one must also be willing to take risks and face the consequences of those risks. The song's pre-chorus and chorus then speak of the way in which the public views those who pursue power and fame. Lorde recognizes that many in the public hold such individuals in high regard, yet also depicts how those same people carry a hidden responsibility to protect and serve. The line "We mean it, but I promise we're not mean" is a direct reference to the ambivalence that can come with power. These lines are directly connected to the chorus that highlights the idea that "Glory and gore go hand in hand". They signify that the cost of achieving fame may be hostile interactions and carnage along the path to greatness. In the bridge, Lorde acknowledges the liminal experiences of life in which people are awakened, are stimulated by life, or wait for an opportunity to come. She also recognizes the importance of mental toughness, which is the ability to push through negative thoughts and outside pressure to emerge victorious. Overall, Lorde's "Glory and Gore" is a commentary on the relationship between power, fame, and conflict. The lyrics suggest that while fame and power can be exhilarating, they also come with a great cost. The song shows the importance of recognizing the hidden responsibility that comes with power and fame and proving one's strength of character when it's needed most.
