Tennis Court

Lorde's 'Tennis Court' is a song that encapsulates the feelings of disillusionment and the search for authenticity among the youth. The lyrics convey a sense of boredom with the superficiality of social interactions and the relentless pursuit of materialistic goals. Lorde questions the value of 'making smart with their words' and expresses a desire to live for the thrill, chasing her ambitions and enjoying the fleeting pleasures of youth. The song reflects a consciousness of the temporary nature of these pursuits, acknowledging that 'they'll never own me.'

The chorus introduces a metaphorical 'tennis court' as a place for candid conversation, contrasting the personas of a 'class clown' and a 'beauty queen in tears.' This imagery suggests a critique of societal roles and the pressure to maintain appearances, even when happiness is just a facade. Lorde's mention of 'showing people how little we care' can be interpreted as a commentary on the detachment and cynicism that can arise from constantly being under scrutiny, whether in personal relationships or under the public eye.

The song also touches on the theme of fame and its impact on personal identity. As Lorde anticipates 'getting on my first plane' and seeing her city from a new perspective, she grapples with the 'wicked games' of fame and the challenge of staying true to oneself. The repeated line 'talk it up like, yeah' serves as a call to engage in genuine dialogue, free from the pretenses that often dominate social interactions. 'Tennis Court' is a powerful expression of the complexities of growing up in the modern world, where authenticity is often at odds with societal expectations.