Bravado

Lorde's song 'Bravado' delves into the complexities of self-perception and the pressures of societal expectations. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an internal battle, where the protagonist struggles with the need for validation and the fear of being exposed. The opening lines, 'All my life, I've been fighting a war / I can't talk to you or your friends,' set the stage for a narrative of isolation and internal conflict. This war is not just with others but within oneself, highlighting the struggle to maintain a facade of confidence and strength.

The chorus, 'I'm faking glory / Lick my lips, toss my hair / And turn the smile on,' reveals the performative nature of the protagonist's bravado. This act of 'faking glory' is a defense mechanism, a way to navigate a world that demands constant admiration and attention. The metaphor of a 'switch flipped' and a 'pill tipped back' suggests a sudden, almost mechanical transformation, where the protagonist gears up to face the world with a manufactured sense of confidence. This imagery underscores the artificiality of the bravado, a mask worn to hide vulnerability.

As the song progresses, Lorde explores the duality of craving approval and fearing exposure. The lines, 'I was frightened of every little thing / That I thought was out to get me down,' reflect a deep-seated anxiety about being judged and ridiculed. Yet, there is a shift in perspective as the protagonist learns to embrace the applause and approval, recognizing them as sources of motivation. The song's climax, 'When the lights come on, I'll be ready for this,' signifies a moment of acceptance and readiness to face the world, albeit with a constructed sense of bravado. This duality captures the essence of the human experience, where the desire for validation often coexists with the fear of vulnerability.