Here are What Was That Song Lyrics in English. From the Virgin (Deluxe) album, the song features Lorde in the lead. Penned by Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor (Lorde) and Jim-E Stack, What Was That is sung by Lorde. The music video is directed by Talia Chetrit, and the Music Director for the song is Jim-E Stack.
What Was That Song Lyrics in English
A place in the city a chair and a bed
I cover all the mirrors I can’t face myself yet
Smoke clings to me like a wedding veil
I cook for one step into the crowd alone in a sea
It hits me all at once I’m missing you
The weight of your absence in all we used to do
It haunts the quiet fills the space
A love I can’t erase
MDMA in the back garden eyes wide with light
We kissed for hours lost in the night
I swore This is the best cigarette of my life
And I still want you just like that
Indio haze a sandstorm swallowing sound
It knocked me over spun me around
Back then I didn’t know you’d never be enough
Since seventeen I gave you all of my love
Now we wake from a dream it slips through our hands
Was that real? Did we ever stand a chance?
What was that baby tell me what was that?
I keep asking but silence is all I have
You’re still with me when I’m out with friends
Painted faces talk pretending trends
You must have known I was fading away
No warmth in your words nothing left to say
Down at Baby’s All Right under blue neon light
I try to face truth give up the fight
I let it pass through or at least I try
But this pain it lingers refuses goodbye
MDMA in the back garden eyes like blown glass
Kissing through hours we wished would last
I said it then This is the best cigarette of my life
And I ache for you just like that night
Indio haze lost in the storm’s embrace
Didn’t know then you’d leave no trace
From seventeen you had all of me
Now we wake from what used to be
What was that? Was it love or just a flash?
‘Cause I want you still I want you just like that
When I’m in the blue light I can make it alright
Tell me baby what was that
What Was That Song Lyrics Credits
| Album | Virgin (Deluxe) – 2025 |
| Song Name | What Was That |
| Track Position | #2 of 12 |
| Release Date | April 24, 2025 |
| Writers/Lyricists | Lorde, Jim-E Stack |
| Singer/Artists | Lorde |
| Producers | Lorde, Jim-E Stack |
| Record Label | Universal Music New Zealand |
| Recording Studios | Electric Lady Studios, NYC |
| Genre | Synth-pop, Indie Pop |
| Duration | 3:29 |
Song Background
“What Was That” marks Lorde’s return to synth-pop after her acoustic-driven Solar Power. The song dives into post-breakup introspection, using surreal imagery like “moonbeam ice cream” and “MDMA in the back garden” to evoke emotional disorientation. Lorde’s lyrical style blends poetic abstraction with raw vulnerability, making this track a standout in her fourth studio album. The song was teased via TikTok and debuted live in Washington Square Park, NYC, before being shut down by police—a moment that became part of the official music video.
Chart Performance & Stats
- Debuted at #28 on Billboard Hot 100
- Peaked at #11 in New Zealand Top Singles
- Over 6.9 million views on YouTube
- Featured in Spotify’s “New Music Friday” playlist globally
Cultural Impact
“What Was That” resonated with fans for its emotional depth and cinematic visuals. Highlights include:
- Viral TikTok trend using the line “This is the best cigarette of my life”
- Fan recreations of the Washington Square Park debut
- Nominated for Best Alternative Performance at the 2025 MTV VMAs
- Covered by indie artists and featured in breakup-themed playlists
- Sparked discussions on Reddit about Lorde’s lyrical evolution
Technical Details
- BPM: 88
- Key: C# Minor
- Instruments Used: Analog synths, ambient pads, layered vocals, minimal percussion
Related Songs Section
- Mood Ring – Lorde
- Hammer – Lorde
- Shapeshifter – Lorde
- Favourite Daughter – Lorde
FAQs What Was That Lyrics
Q. Who wrote What Was That Song lyrics?
Ans. The lyrics were written by Lorde and Jim-E Stack.
Q. What album is What Was That Song Lyrics from?
Ans. The song is the second track from Lorde’s fourth studio album Virgin (Deluxe), released in 2025.
Q. When was What Was That Song Lyrics released?
Ans. April 24, 2025.
Q. What is What Was That Song Lyrics about?
Ans. The song explores emotional confusion and longing after a breakup, using surreal metaphors to express vulnerability.
Q. Who sings What Was That Song Lyrics?
Ans. Lorde, known for her introspective songwriting and genre-defying sound.
Q. What genre is What Was That Song Lyrics?
Ans. Synth-pop with indie and alternative influences.
Q. How long is What Was That Song Lyrics?
Ans. 3 minutes and 29 seconds.
Q. Did What Was That win any awards?
Ans. Nominated for Best Alternative Performance at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.
Secondary FAQs
Q. Is What Was That based on a true story?
Ans. While not confirmed, the lyrics suggest deeply personal experiences from Lorde’s life.
Q. What instruments are used in What Was That?
Ans. Analog synths, ambient textures, minimal percussion, and layered vocals.
Q. Has Lorde performed What Was That live?
Ans. Yes, she debuted it live in Washington Square Park, NYC, on April 22, 2025.
Q. What are the most popular lines from What Was That?
Ans. “This is the best cigarette of my life” and “MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up.”
Q. Which streaming platform has What Was That?
Ans. Available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music.
