Royals – Lorde (US Version)

Lorde’s “Royals” was not just a song—it was a cultural phenomenon. Released in 2013, the track catapulted the then-16-year-old New Zealand singer-songwriter, Ella Yelich-O’Connor (Lorde), into global stardom. What makes the US version of “Royals” particularly significant is its ability to transcend geographical borders, offering a fresh perspective on pop culture and materialism while achieving widespread critical and commercial success.

The song, which appears on Lorde’s debut EP The Love Club and later her debut album Pure Heroine, became a chart-topping hit in the United States and other countries. It won two Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance in 2014. Its minimalist production, insightful lyrics, and Lorde’s unique vocal delivery made “Royals” one of the most iconic songs of the 2010s.

Minimalist Production: Stripping Pop Music to Its Core
One of the defining features of “Royals” is its minimalist production. Produced by Joel Little, the song defies traditional pop expectations, opting for a pared-down sound. There are no bombastic choruses, no heavy beats, or over-the-top synths. Instead, “Royals” is built around a simple drum beat, handclaps, and subtle basslines. This stark sound creates a sense of intimacy, allowing Lorde’s voice and lyrics to take center stage.

This minimalist approach was a breath of fresh air in an era where mainstream pop music was dominated by high-energy dance beats, EDM influences, and an overload of production elements. Lorde’s sound stood out because of its refusal to conform to these trends. “Royals” is an example of how less can be more in music, proving that a song doesn’t need a wall of sound to be impactful. The stripped-back nature of the song mirrors the themes in the lyrics, where Lorde critiques the excess and opulence associated with mainstream pop culture.

Lyrics: A Cultural Critique of Materialism
“Royals” is notable for its insightful critique of materialism and the unrealistic portrayals of wealth and luxury in popular media, especially in music. In the chorus, Lorde sings:

“And we’ll never be royals (royals)
It don’t run in our blood
That kind of luxe just ain’t for us
We crave a different kind of buzz.”

These lines encapsulate the central theme of the song—an acknowledgment that the lavish lifestyles glorified in mainstream music, particularly hip-hop and pop, are unattainable for most people. Lorde contrasts her own reality and that of her peers, where affluence and luxury are distant fantasies, with the extravagance often depicted in chart-topping hits. She directly references typical symbols of wealth, such as “gold teeth,” “Cristal,” and “jet planes,” all of which are staples in the lyrics of many pop and hip-hop tracks.

Lorde’s lyrics challenge these depictions of wealth, but not in a judgmental or cynical way. Instead, the song reflects a desire for authenticity and a more relatable representation of life in music. By rejecting the “royal” fantasy, Lorde speaks to a generation of listeners who, like her, feel alienated by the materialistic values often pushed by mainstream culture. It’s a quiet rebellion against the superficial and the excess.

The way Lorde approaches this critique is clever. While many pop songs glorify opulence, “Royals” acknowledges it and then dismisses it, offering a counter-narrative to what had become the norm in pop music at the time. This fresh perspective resonated with listeners, especially younger audiences who were seeking a different kind of narrative in their music—one that reflected their own realities.

Lorde’s Vocal Delivery: A Unique Pop Voice
Lorde’s vocal delivery in “Royals” is a key aspect of what makes the song so distinctive. Her voice is deep, mature, and full of a quiet confidence that belies her young age. She sings with a laid-back, almost nonchalant tone, which perfectly complements the minimalist production and the lyrical content. Her vocal performance is not flashy, but it’s incredibly effective in drawing listeners in and holding their attention.

There’s also a rawness to Lorde’s voice that adds to the authenticity of the song. In “Royals,” she doesn’t sound like she’s performing for an audience—she sounds like she’s having a conversation, sharing her thoughts in a way that feels personal and real. This vocal style became one of Lorde’s trademarks and helped distinguish her from other pop artists of the time.

Her delivery of the chorus, in particular, became iconic. The drawn-out, almost hypnotic way she sings “royals” became a signature moment in the song, and it’s one of the reasons why the track is so memorable. This unique vocal approach set her apart from the more polished, commercialized vocal styles of her peers.

Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Royals” was more than just a hit song—it represented a shift in pop music. Its success signaled a growing demand for more authentic, stripped-down sounds and narratives that were relatable and grounded in reality, rather than fantasy. Lorde’s emergence with “Royals” showed that there was a hunger for music that didn’t conform to the cookie-cutter formulas that had dominated pop for years.

The song resonated with listeners around the world, particularly younger generations who saw themselves in the lyrics. It became an anthem for those who felt disconnected from the materialistic ideals presented by mainstream media. Lorde, in many ways, became a voice for the disaffected youth, offering an alternative narrative to the glitz and glamour that often dominated pop culture.

“Royals” also had a significant impact on the music industry, inspiring a wave of minimalist, introspective pop that would go on to influence artists like Billie Eilish and Halsey. The song’s success opened doors for artists who didn’t fit the traditional mold of pop stardom, proving that there was room for different voices and perspectives in the industry.

Conclusion
Lorde’s “Royals” (US Version) remains a defining moment in pop music, not just for its sonic innovation but for its cultural critique of materialism and excess. The song’s minimalist production, introspective lyrics, and Lorde’s unique vocal delivery all contributed to its massive success and enduring legacy. Nearly a decade after its release, “Royals” still resonates with listeners, standing as a testament to the power of authenticity and a reminder that sometimes, less is more.

Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
I’ve never seen a diamond in the flesh
I cut my teeth on wedding rings in the movies
And I’m not proud of my address
In a torn up town, no postcode envy

[Pre-Chorus]
But every song’s like
Gold teeth, Grey Goose, trippin’ in the bathroom
Bloodstains, ball gowns, trashin’ the hotel room
We don’t care; we’re driving Cadillacs in our dreams
But everybody’s like
Cristal, Maybach, diamonds on your timepiece
Jet planes, islands, tiger’s on a gold leash
We don’t care; we aren’t caught up in your love affair

[Chorus]
And we’ll never be royals (Royals)
It don’t run in our blood
That kind of luxe just ain’t for us
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler (Ruler)
You can call me queen bee
And baby, I’ll rule (I’ll rule, I’ll rule, I’ll rule)
Let me live that fantasy

[Verse 2]
My friends and I, we’ve cracked the code
We count our dollars on the train to the party
And everyone who knows us knows
That we’re fine with this
We didn’t come from money

[Bridge]
(Oh, oh-oh)
We’re bigger than we ever dreamed
And I’m in love with being queen
(Oh, oh-oh)
Life is great without a care
We aren’t caught up in your love affair

Lorde