Lorde caught my attention after I heard her sing “Royals”. Of course, I liked the mood the song had me feeling as I listened to the beats and electronics of the song. When her lyrics came in, I could definitely understand exactly what she was getting at. Every word and point intended was clear and obvious to my willing and eager comprehension. In short, I could only relate and agree with the opinions she beautifully and musically composed as she so blatantly laid out on the table. In turn, I became dedicatedly in love with her music and album, Pure Heroine, and was constantly searching for anything new she would produce in music.
Her cover of David Bowie’s “Life On Mars?” for the David Bowie tribute at the 2016 Brit Awards, has been her recent performance. In my opinion, the meaning of the song seems very befitting to Lorde’s style and message to her listeners. What I mean, when I refer to her style and message, is her criticism on mainstream society and the norms in its predominant and growing culture. She points them out and makes you think and formulate your own opinions on the matter. Such examples, are The Love Club EP and the Pure Heroine album.
Lorde's music is expected to have us relating to various points of opinion especially if the understanding is there. It is done so because of our own personal points of view. You can often find yourself either agreeing to each and every verse she sings or somehow relating the message to your own experiences. Furthermore, Lorde speaks out of her own views and opinions with the confidence of “saying it as it’s seen” or “telling it as it is”. There is definitely no sugar-coating in any statement made especially upon a specific issue where “the truth” wants or needs to be stated.
"Life On Mars?" by David Bowie was released in 1971 on his album Hunky Dory. It was released as a single in 1973. Many may have debated and considered this song to be his best song and it can be found on various "Best Song Ever" lists.
The song’s tale starts about a young girl experiencing an argument between her mother and father. She runs off in order to leave it behind by going to watch a movie in the theater. The movie displays violence and brutality, a scene that is somewhat always repeated on the silver screen. She then realizes that the movie could be a reflection of her own life. It could also be a reference to how media plays an influential role in society. The girl is meant to realize and understand real events and happenings around the world and its possible effects. The song continues to educate by pointing out problems and troubles of that era within westernized countries. Finally, it speaks of how the scene is a bore yet sad. This, of course, is a rough and summarized explanation behind the meaning of the song. There are other sources on the internet that go into more depth and even relate it to the events of that time.
Whether it was a cause for re-structuring society (or even just its thinking), a change or revolution, or just pointing out what is seen but always and plainly ignored, I think Lorde and David Bowie were standing up for something. That stand was against the norms of society and how it can often be a “bore” and we always seem to be subjected to brainwashing of today’s media and the current popular practices of mainstream society. That if we don’t acknowledge these negative things then we may have to just watch and be prepared for what is in store for us---hopefully for the next and possibly better change or the worsening of society.
As I stated earlier, I find it befitting for Lorde to be singing a cover of this song. It’s Lorde’s and David Bowie’s opinions, views, and awareness of their own society during their own individual times. On an abstract note, I can’t help but imagine how the song’s second line “To the girl with the mousy hair” makes me think of Lorde (possibly with some variation to the “mousy hair” look).
Lorde’s cover song of David Bowie’s “Life On Mars?”:
