The chorus, "We got the glow in our mouths, White teeth teens are out", implies a sense of confidence and superiority despite their defiance. The "glow in our mouths" can be seen as a metaphor for their youthful energy and vibrance. Lorde portrays these teenagers as being up for anything, willing to take risks and challenge conventions.
The lyrics "I know you love it when the hairpins start to drop" indicate that the rebellious behavior and non-conformity of these white teeth teens is enticing and captivating to others. The hairpins dropping represents the unraveling of traditional standards and expectations.
In the bridge, Lorde reveals her own feelings of not fully belonging to this group of white teeth teens. She confesses, "I am not a white teeth teen, I tried to join, but never did". This suggests her conscious decision to resist conforming to the pressures of society and reject the idea of fitting into a certain mold. She acknowledges that the white teeth teens seem different from her, creating a stark juxtaposition.
The refrain, "And everything works out so good, I wear the robe like no-one could", indicates Lorde's realization that she doesn't need to conform to societal ideals to find happiness and success. She claims her own identity and authenticity, defying the notion that looking a certain way or following specific trends is the key to happiness.
Overall, "White Teeth Teens" highlights the struggle between conforming to societal expectations and embracing individuality. Lorde emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not compromising personal values for the sake of fitting in.
White Teeth Teens
Lorde Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I guess you're lucky that it's dark now
And if I like it then we'll stay
Impress the empress, take a shot now
We got the glow in our mouths
White teeth teens are out
White teeth teens are
Up for it
I know you love it when the hairpins started to drop
I like your reckoning
But we got our methods and there's nothing here to stop
To stop this
If you want we'll help tonight to split his schemes
Give the bruises out like gifts
You'll get the picture of your dreams
I won't be smiling but the notes from my admirers
Fill my dashboard just the same
We got the glow in our mouths
White teeth teens are out
White teeth teens are
Up for it
I know you love it when the hairpins start to drop
I like your reckoning,
But we got our methods and there's nothing here to stop
To stop this when we're
Up for it
I know you love it when the hairpins start to drop
I like your reckoning,
But we got our methods and there's nothing here to stop
To stop this
(And everything works out so good)
(I wear the robe like no one could)
I'll let you in on something big
I am not a white teeth teen
I tried to join but never did
The way they are, the way they seem is something else, it's in the blood
Their molars blinking like the lights, in the underpass where we all sit
And do nothing and love it
And everything works out so good
I wear the robe like no one could
And everything works out so good
I wear the robe like no one could
And everything works out so good
I wear the robe like no one could
(White teeth teens are out)
And everything works out so good
(I wear the robe like no one could)
White teeth teens are out
In "White Teeth Teens," Lorde presents a satirical take on teenage rebellion, portraying it as something superficial and insincere. The song opens with a pair of teenagers who only feel comfortable out at night, when they won't be seen by others. Amidst the darkness, they feel invincible, and they're ready to do whatever it takes to "impress the empress," even if that means taking "a shot now." Lorde suggests that their actions are simply performative; they're the "white teeth teens" who try too hard to project an image of themselves as wild and reckless.
Later on in the song, Lorde admits that she herself tried to fit in with this crowd, but never quite succeeded. She sees the "white teeth teens" as something almost beyond humanity, with "molars blinking like the lights" in the darkness. But rather than feeling excluded, Lorde seems to find comfort in this: "And everything works out so good, I wear the robe like no one could." She may not fit in with the crowd, but she's comfortable in her own skin.
Overall, "White Teeth Teens" is a commentary on the hollowness of teenage rebellion. Lorde suggests that it's often a performance, designed to impress others and project an image of oneself that falls short of reality. But at the same time, she recognizes the allure of this kind of rebellion, and the way it can make young people feel invincible.
Line by Line Meaning
We wouldn't be seen dead here in the day yeah
We don't want to be caught in this place during the day.
I guess you're lucky that it's dark now
You're fortunate to be here while it's still dark outside.
And if I like it then we'll stay
If I enjoy this place, we'll keep hanging out here.
Impress the empress, take a shot now
Let's impress someone important and take a shot at it right now.
We got the glow in our mouths
Our smiles are radiant and bright.
White teeth teens are out
Teenagers with bright white teeth are here.
White teeth teens are
Teenagers with bright white teeth exist.
Up for it
Ready to join in on the fun.
I know you love it when the hairpins started to drop
You enjoy when things start to get wild and out of control.
I like your reckoning
I enjoy your way of handling things.
But we got our methods and there's nothing here to stop
We have our own ways of doing things, and nothing can stand in our way here.
To stop this
To prevent us from continuing to have fun.
If you want we'll help tonight to split his schemes
We can assist tonight in foiling his plans.
Give the bruises out like gifts
We'll hand out bruises like presents to those who deserve it.
You'll get the picture of your dreams
You'll finally get the scenario you desire.
I won't be smiling but the notes from my admirers
I won't be happy, but I'll still receive attention from my admirers.
Fill my dashboard just the same
I'll still receive messages from my admirers despite not being happy.
I'll let you in on something big
I'll reveal a big secret to you.
I am not a white teeth teen
I don't belong to the group of teenagers with white teeth.
I tried to join but never did
I attempted to become part of that group, but I couldn't.
The way they are, the way they seem is something else, it's in the blood
The way they behave and appear is something innate, it's a part of their nature.
Their molars blinking like the lights, in the underpass where we all sit
Their teeth shining like lights in the dark underpass where we are all hanging out.
And do nothing and love it
We enjoy just being here and doing nothing.
And everything works out so good
Everything is going so well.
I wear the robe like no one could
I wear my robe in a unique way that nobody else can.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Joel Little
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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