California
Lorde Lyrics

Once upon a time in Hollywood when Carole called my name
Lorde has arrived in Hollywood and is reminiscing about the time when Carole called her name, signaling her arrival and fame

I stood up, the room exploded
As soon as Lorde stood up, everyone in the room was ecstatic and the room was filled with excitement and positive energy

And I knew that's it, I'll never be the same
The moment Lorde experienced was life-changing, and she realizes that her life will never be the same as before

That's when the door swung open
A door opens, and Lorde is greeted by someone who is happy she has entered the room

And a voice said, 'We're glad you came'
An unknown person greets Lorde and tells her they are happy that she has come

Now I've spent thousands on you darling
Lorde has spent countless amounts of money on something she considers precious (possibly a person, object, or experience)

All the hotels and the jets
Lorde has spent money on traveling and staying in expensive hotels around the world

And I'd pay it all again
Despite the cost, Lorde would do it all again if it meant having the same experience or rekindling a lost love

To have your golden body back in my bed
Lorde reminisces about a past lover and desires to have them back in her bed once again

But I don't miss the poison arrows
Despite her desire to have her lover back, Lorde also acknowledges the negativity or toxicity that came with the relationship

Aimed directly at my head
The negativity from the relationship was directed towards Lorde and made her feel attacked

Goodbye to all the bottles, all the models
Lorde is saying farewell to the stereotypical Hollywood lifestyle, including drinking and models

Bye to the clouds in the skies that all hold no rain-
Lorde is saying goodbye to empty promises or people who can't deliver on their words or intentions

(Don't want that California love)
Lorde isn't interested in the typical Hollywood love and lifestyle

Once upon a time the Canyon Store was where my world began
Lorde started exploring her current lifestyle at the Canyon Store

All that mystery and beauty
The Canyon Store presented Lorde with an escape of sorts, away from her reality and into fantasy

Gleaned from desert flowers and gifted children
Lorde absorbed all of the beauty of the Southern California desert and the people inhabiting it

But it got hard to grow up with your cool hand around my neck
Lorde feels constrained by the image or expectations placed upon her in her current lifestyle, which limits her ability to grow as a person

Now in my hotel, we're sunbathing
Lorde is currently in a beautiful hotel, relaxing and enjoying the sun

My girlfriends, and my baby
Lorde is surrounded by close friends and someone close to her, possibly a child

But every time I smell tequila
The smell of tequila reminds Lorde of a negative or painful experience

The garden grows up in my mind again
The bad memories associated with the smell of tequila resurface in Lorde's mind

It's just a dream
Lorde is skeptical or incredulous about her current lifestyle or experiences, unsure if they are real or something fabricated in her mind

I wanna wake up, I wanna wake up
Lorde desires to leave her current lifestyle or experiences and wake up to a different reality