Lyrics of
Royals

Royals was inspired by royalty and the luxuries depicted in other songs and music videos, particularly those showcasing extravagances of wealth and fame. Lorde, also known as Ella Yelich-OConnor, alongside her co-writer Joel Little, was influenced by the glamour and opulence associated with royalty, prompting her to question the contrast between such depictions and her own more modest upbringing in New Zealand.

I've never seen a diamond in the flesh
I cut my teeth on wedding rings in the movies
And I'm not proud of my address - in the torn up town

But every song's like: gold teeth, grey goose, trippin' in the bathroom
Blood stains, ballgowns, trashin' the hotel room
We don't care - we're driving Cadillacs in our dreams
But everybody's like Cristal, Mayback, diamonds on your timepiece
Jet planes, islands, tigers on a gold leash
We don't care - we aren't caught up in your love affair

And we'll never be royals - It don't run in our blood
That kind of lux just ain't for us
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler - you can call me Queen Bee
And baby I'll rule, I'll rule, I'll rule, I'll rule
Let me live that fantasy

My friends and I, we've cracked the code
We count our dollars on the train to the party
And everyone who knows us knows that we're fine with this

But every song's like: gold teeth, grey goose, trippin' in the bathroom
Blood stains, ballgowns, trashin' the hotel room
We don't care - we're driving Cadillacs in our dreams
But everybody's like Cristal, Mayback, diamonds on your timepiece
Jet planes, islands, tigers on a gold leash
We don't care - we aren't caught up in your love affair

And we'll never be royals - It don't run in our blood
That kind of lux just ain't for us
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler - you can call me Queen Bee
And baby I'll rule, I'll rule, I'll rule, I'll rule
Let me live that fantasy

We're bigger than we ever dreamed
And I'm in love with being queen (king)
oh ooh oh ohh
Life's a game without a care
We aren't caught up in your love affair

And we'll never be royals - It don't run in our blood
That kind of lux just ain't for us
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler - you can call me Queen Bee
And baby I'll rule, I'll rule, I'll rule, I'll rule
Let me live that fantasy