400 Lux

Lorde's '400 Lux' captures the essence of youthful ennui and the beauty found in mundane moments shared with someone special. The song's title refers to a measure of light, suggesting a dim, intimate setting where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The lyrics paint a picture of two young people aimlessly spending time together, finding solace and connection in their shared experiences. The repeated phrase 'Can I kill it with you?' highlights their desire to escape the monotony of everyday life by simply being in each other's company.

The imagery in the song is vivid and relatable, with lines like 'We’re hollow like the bottles that we drain' and 'You drape your wrists over the steering wheel' evoking a sense of emptiness and longing. Despite this, there is a sense of bravery and resilience in their actions, as they continue to find meaning in their seemingly aimless activities. The chorus, with its repeated affirmation 'And I like you,' emphasizes the importance of their bond and the comfort they find in each other.

Lorde's songwriting is known for its introspective and poetic nature, and '400 Lux' is no exception. The song's nostalgic tone and focus on the small, everyday moments make it a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of youth and the connections that define it. The lyrics also touch on themes of change and stability, as seen in the lines 'I love these roads where the houses don’t change' and 'We move in the tree streets.' These references to familiar, unchanging surroundings underscore the comfort and security the characters find in their relationship, even as they navigate the uncertainties of growing up.