Solar Power
Lorde
Basking in 'Solar Power': Lorde's Ode to Summer Bliss
Lorde's 'Solar Power' is a sun-drenched anthem that celebrates the transformative energy of summer. The song opens with a disdain for winter and its accompanying cold, a sentiment that many can relate to. Lorde expresses a desire to escape the dreariness and isolation that often comes with the colder months, hinting at a seasonal affective disorder or simply a preference for the warmth and vibrancy of summer.
As the song progresses, Lorde describes the euphoria that comes with the arrival of summer. The lyrics 'My cheeks in high colour, overripe peaches' evoke the flush of health and vitality that often accompanies time spent in the sun. The mention of 'no shirt, no shoes, only my features' suggests a return to a natural state, free from societal constraints and material concerns. This is further emphasized by the act of throwing her cellular device into the water, symbolizing a disconnect from technology and a reconnection with the present moment and the natural world.
The chorus of 'Solar Power' is where Lorde's message crystallizes. She invites everyone to join her on the beach, a place of communal joy and openness, and playfully refers to herself as 'a prettier Jesus,' which could be interpreted as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the almost spiritual reverence for the sun and its life-giving power. The song culminates in a celebration of 'solar power,' a metaphor for the natural, renewable, and invigorating energy that summer brings, and the blissful state of mind it can induce.