Lorde

"White Teeth Teens" explores themes of societal pressure, conformity and the desire for acceptance. The song describes a group of teenagers who distance themselves from certain places and situations during the day, preferring the cover of darkness. This suggests a sense of rebellion against societal norms and expectations. The chorus, "We got the glow in our mouths, White teeth teens are out", implies a sense of confidence and superiority despite their defiance. The "glow in our mouths" can be seen as a metaphor for their youthful energy and vibrance. Lorde portrays these teenagers as being up for anything, willing to take risks and challenge conventions. The lyrics "I know you love it when the hairpins start to drop" indicate that the rebellious behavior and non-conformity of these white teeth teens is enticing and captivating to others. The hairpins dropping represents the unraveling of traditional standards and expectations. In the bridge, Lorde reveals her own feelings of not fully belonging to this group of white teeth teens. She confesses, "I am not a white teeth teen, I tried to join, but never did". This suggests her conscious decision to resist conforming to the pressures of society and reject the idea of fitting into a certain mold. She acknowledges that the white teeth teens seem different from her, creating a stark juxtaposition. The refrain, "And everything works out so good, I wear the robe like no-one could", indicates Lorde's realization that she doesn't need to conform to societal ideals to find happiness and success. She claims her own identity and authenticity, defying the notion that looking a certain way or following specific trends is the key to happiness. Overall, "White Teeth Teens" highlights the struggle between conforming to societal expectations and embracing individuality. Lorde emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not compromising personal values for the sake of fitting in.