Meaning of Million Dollar Bills by Lorde

The Lorde song "Million Dollar Bills" captivates listeners with its catchy beats, but beneath the surface lies a deeper exploration of themes that resonate with many. While the overall theme of the song may seem to center around the desire for money and time, a closer examination of several standout lyrics exposes unexpected and imaginative themes that all tie back to a common thread.In the opening verse, Lorde sings, "There's nothing I want but money and time, million dollar bills and the tick-tick-tick-tick." At first glance, this seems like a straightforward expression of yearning for material wealth and the luxury of time. However, delving deeper, this lyric hints at the universal desire for freedom and fulfillment. Money and time symbolize the resources necessary to pursue one's passions and live life to its fullest. The ticking sound in the background serves as a constant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the urgency to make the most of it.Moving on to the chorus, Lorde sings, "We could leave the house, leave the party, let the people know, go drown the colors of our minds and watch the cars go." This lyric takes on a metaphorical significance, highlighting the importance of escapism and seeking refuge from the noise and expectations of the outside world. Leaving the house and party represents breaking free from societal pressures and embracing one's own individuality. Drowning the colors of our minds suggests immersing oneself in the richness of imagination and creativity, finding solace in our own thoughts. Watching the cars go by signifies observing the transient nature of life and finding peace in the present moment.The second verse continues this exploration of unexpected themes, as Lorde sings, "There's nothing as fun as coming untied and running with the kids in the park-park-park-park." Here, she delves into the idea of embracing one's inner child and the joy of breaking free from constraints. "Coming untied" symbolizes the release of inhibitions and letting go of societal expectations. Running with the kids in the park represents reconnecting with a sense of wonder, spontaneity, and carefree abandon. It reminds us of the importance of finding moments of pure joy and fulfillment in the simplest of activities.The bridge of the song brings further depth to the lyrical exploration, as Lorde croons, "It's not about just bein' out with the right people, 'cause we can get in trouble just by going free-flow." This lyric challenges the notion that happiness and fulfillment are solely derived from external validation or the association with certain individuals. Instead, it suggests that true fulfillment comes from embracing freedom and spontaneity, even if it means venturing outside of societal norms. Going free-flow encompasses the idea of embracing individuality, living authentically, and pursuing personal passions without fear of judgment or consequence.Ultimately, the overarching theme of "Million Dollar Bills" goes beyond the superficial desire for money and time. It explores the universal yearning for freedom, fulfillment, and authenticity. Each standout lyric highlights a different facet of these themes, from the pursuit of passion and the fulfillment of desires to the importance of escapism and embracing our inner child. Lorde's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where personal happiness and fulfillment are found through the pursuit of individuality, creativity, and the celebration of life's fleeting moments. It reminds us to cherish the present, embrace our passions, and seek fulfillment on our own terms.