Lorde - The Man with the Axe (Official Audio)

New album Solar Power out now: lorde.lnk.to/SPAlbum
The Solar Power Tour is on sale now - get dates and tickets: www.lorde.co.nz/tour
Sign up to the Solar Power Institute Bulletin: www.lorde.co.nz/sign-up
Website: www.lorde.co.nz
Tour Dates: www.lorde.co.nz/tour
Bulletin: www.lorde.co.nz/sign-up
The Man With The Axe (Lyrics)
If I had to break it down, I’d say it’s the way you love to dance-
Moving the furniture when my back is turned
A flick of the lights and the world falls away
And your office job, and your silver hair
But our shapes in the dark are the reason I’ve stayed for all these years
I thought I was a genius
But now I’m 22, and it’s starting to feel like all I know how to do is put on a suit and take it away
With my fistful of tunes that it’s painful to play
Fingernail worlds, like favourite seashells
They fill up my nights and then they float away
I’ve got hundreds of gowns, I’ve got paintings in frames And a throat that fills with panic every festival day
Dutifully falling apart for the princess of Norway
But you with your doll’s lashes, your infinite T-shirts
I should’ve known when your favourite record was the same as my father’s you’d take me down
I guess I’ll always be this way, swallowed up by the words and halfway to space
But there by the fire, you offered your hand
And as I took it, I loved you, the boy with the plan
You felled me clean as a pine
The man with the axe
And the light in his eyes
#Lorde #SolarPower

[@Sebham12]

it feels dreamlike to grow up with her music and get to understand this state of mind and maturity from her as we age together, she gave what she promised and i love her sm for that

[@geneviveremsing3016]

I have been crying while listening to these songs and smiling for this reason, I feel so dramatic but it makes me think about how I've grown since I first heard royals and how her music has helped me become who I am and how she's helped me get through my youth and deal with my emotions

[@giovannasalinasgonzalez4011]

I love this, thank you

[@Sebham12]

we’re in this together bestie ✨

[@butexab]

ive truly connected with her so much. i know she doesnt want us to rely on her for solving our problems but I am glad to hear all my emotions and thoughts put into words in her music.

[@serenahopeisabella2226]

@@geneviveremsing3016 this is EXACTLY how I feel and I’ve been sobbing my eyes out ! We LOVE you and LOVE growing with you Lorde!

[@bootyjig921]

Its so sad seeing people saying her music sucks now and how they want the old Lorde back. Let her do her thing, this is what she visualized for her album and she made it happen. If you don't like it then leave. Let the people who want to enjoy it, enjoy it.

[@august6389]

People don't like this? Crazy lol

[@bootyjig921]

@@august6389 its fine if they don't like it, just don't trash her. Lots of people have been doing that 🤷‍♀️

[@paigeg2026]

If she did the same stuff all the time people would get bored with it. Yes this album is new territory, but it's definitely still good music. I've teared up like 3 times listening to this album just because I was overwhelmed with how good it is.

[@august6389]

Ktl12, i reckon it's not even her fans saying that stuff. Just be stans of other artists who see Lordes music as a threat.

[@august6389]

@Antariksa 100%

[@Unknown2_930]

The thing about lorde is that she does whatever she wants. She is most definitely not a people pleaser and that's refreshing.

[@sierrastar5155]

Exactly. she makes music for herself. Too many artists don’t care for the music anymore and are just in it for the fame.

[@evem8491]

i love how lorde uses the difference between casual and formal clothing in this song as a physical manifestation of appearances vs. intimacy. she’s an amazing song writer

[@corentinnicolas9857]

What do you mean by casual and formal clothing in her Songs? It seems very deep what you said by the way

[@evem8491]

@@corentinnicolas9857 she talks about suits and gowns when she is expressing sadness in the song, and then says she loves the “infinite t shirts” of the person she is talking about. to me this song expresses that we feel the most fulfilled in life in the small moments.

[@corentinnicolas9857]

@@evem8491 Oh your analysis is really interesting. I didn't see it in that way I'm not a Native English speaker so It takes me a bit of Time to fully understand all the Readings of each song.

[@corentinnicolas9857]

@thataestheticbxtch Thank you :)

[@Robert-bs6ww]

She called herself a forest fire (hard to please), but met someone able to take her down, like a tree

[@katelorraine4947]

OMG STOP IT 😭

[@gavinhusein5727]

“like a tree” plz 😭

[@user-uc9gi2xf8r]

NOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@mr.joaquin7830]

How DARE you?? T_T

[@700hyu]

never has a love song touched me in the same way this song has. such an intimate proclamation of love. the most mundane and intricate details in the lyrics that seem outlandish to all of us listeners but make divinely perfect sense between ella and who she wrote this about. this song reminds me of how deep love goes, and how i should wait for the right love to enter my life. it’s so beyond the physical, it’s something deep and spiritual. and lorde effortlessly displayed that in this song. i find it so touching because it feels like i’m outside looking in at this beautiful little world she’s constructed with this person, and i’ll never truly be able to understand their world, but one day, in a similar yet completely different way i’ll understand the world i’ve built with someone. we all will.

[@rorymartin8451]

beautifully said

[@700hyu]

@@rorymartin8451 :) thank u

[@syadrina2118]

not me crying over this comment

[@scoobeydoobey4625]

yo this was beautiful and perfectly encapsulated how i feel about this song

[@icehen6311]

Woah

[@kevinvitualla347]

that metaphor where the man holds an axe and she is a forest tree and has no choice but to fall down. the same conviction as the way she fell for the man. wooow the imagery is sooooo powerful

[@dylanfallon6720]

I hope she makes a love album in the future. She's a poet and it really shines especially in this track.

[@katelorraine4947]

Honestly, at first I was like eh with the new album. But I'm currently listening to it on repeat crying as I type this.

[@emelie5089]

It always takes me some time to get used to the sound of really great albums. But then after a few listens I really fall in love with them and listen to them for months. Same with folklore and evermore by Taylor

[@alejandrolopez4610]

I’m just going to write this so I can get this thing off my chest. As a gay teen in an non anglocentric country and being considered weird by other people, this song is my favorite from the album purely based on the ability of letting me have the thought of loving someone who clicks with you and is someone who holds your hand. Since all my friends talk about relationships and boyfriends I still desperately dream about having a significant other.

[@mohamedbahaa5084]

It's like you stole my thoughts and made them to words ♥️ Hope you find love darling

[@alejandrolopez4610]

@@mohamedbahaa5084 thanks , you too. ❤️❤️

[@caesar7771]

i promise you itll happen! when you least expect someone will see you and love you as purely as you deserve, waiting is hard, but its worth it.

[@atlf3357]

Same 😔

[@luisvilchez4300]

I feel u

[@spenserbower1178]

“We’ve been through so many hard times, I’m writing a love song for you baby.” I love that part

[@swiftiey]

This song feels like a fever dream while everything is burning, I love it

[@vidakradenovic]

is this deja vu or you said the same thing somewhere else? Perhaps the solar power mv?

[@swiftiey]

@@vidakradenovic probably a deja Vu !!!!

[@leanne8271]

@@vidakradenovic I remember someone else commenting that on one of the videos lol

[@Mc-xm1to]

omg you were right specially the last part, as if u were high, everything is burning and u are just living the moment.

[@maglunsodrubenjr.6982]

I'm glad i was prepared to this kind of sound by taylor's folklore and evermore. The entire tracks of Solar Power are powerful that catches dreamy tropical atmosphere. The production is genius.

[@atlf3357]

Agreed. It’s like Evermore, but teenaged and at the beach instead of the woods. Jack Antonoff may be called uninspiring and lazy nowadays, but he’s still a genius nonetheless

[@davipaim6]

this outro is magical and easily the most beautiful thing lorde has ever created.

[@lulug43]

Chills. Everytime.

[@johnnytsunami420]

"And as I took it, I thought I loved you, the boy with a plan" lyrically this song is truly one of the most beautiful love songs

[@MarielleTornero]

lorde: “id say its the way you love to dance, moving furniture when my back is turned” taylor: “moving furniture so we can dance baby like we stood a chance”

[@maritza6947]

wow great minds 😭😭

[@gloriawhenever9910]

theyre gay together!!! just kidding just kidding

[@gsiya4023]

Yuppp amazing lyricists overlap

[@julia_swiftie]

I was just thinking that 😭

[@writingalias4401]

@@gloriawhenever9910 I would, If I was them.... just saying

[@sarahk7496]

“i should’ve known when your favorite record was the same as my father’s you’d take your time” 😭😭😭😭😭

[@demeta3201]

I thought she sang "...as my fathers you'd take me down" 😭

[@jolantakmiecik6063]

@@demeta3201 she did

[@grahamcrackers7]

3:14 omg I living for these psychedelic vibes and 60's influence

[@michaelj.1116]

Can you give me some songs from the 60’s that are similar to this ?

[@Ro_ey]

Yeah, please give some examples if you can

[@secluded_little_spot]

Waiting for those recommendations!

[@mariyam9861]

The crowd cheering at 1:16 gives chills!!

[@user-cf6jk3gm5x]

this song is definitely a grower, at first i was like ok nice and then i would sing lines from this song at the store/gym/ work etc. and now i want nothing more than to sit under a tree on a sunny day and melt into this gorgeous song

[@Fabio-xs8hx]

This is making me cry like I'm a child

[@jiribb9300]

It's nice to see I'm not the only who thinks this is one of the highlights of the album

[@JanYaMan]

same

[@zetruxo]

me too

[@MrBabyBlue1993]

Same

[@jardelsantiago6207]

same

[@neontyler6663]

The 60’s feels and the Story telling is so poetic… This is my favorite in the album 🥲💛💛💛

[@LucasOliveira-pw6wd]

this is one of the better love songs written. like, ever.

[@katelorraine4947]

"You felled me clean as a pine The man with the axe And the light in his eyes" BEAUTIFUL. I WANNA EXPERIENCE THIS KIND OF LOVE. WHeRE IS MY MAN WITH THE AXE !!

[@caesar7771]

she really got me with this one. hes a dancer, he just got an office job, and his silver hair is one of my favorite things about him. i really dont like to associate songs with people and this one is so beautiful i didnt wanna have the slightest risk to lose it... but its like she read my mind when writing it. hes the boy with a plan, the man with the axe, and im so scared of losing him. were in separate states right now because of covid and "on hold". i miss being on his bed, i miss kissing him, i miss our shapes in the dark. its really hard, but this helps. ill never forget the day he offered me his hand, its the only thing keeping me going. thank you lorde, and if it ends for some reason, i hope i still listen to this song with love.

[@joaquinvigara1356]

With all the pop and etc songs that are just lots of noise in the end, hearing such a beautiful and quiet melody is extremely satisfying. People say that this is too plain but on the contrary, it couldn’t be more perfect. We are so used to hear sounds blasting to our ears that we forget what the meaning of music is.

[@aBunnyThatWillChewOnYourCables]

I can't get over how beautiful this is. The Man with the Axe is quickly becoming my favourite off of the Solar Power album. 💛

[@conansmaniac4459]

I told my family not to disturb me today because Lorde's on the move today

[@yasdaiana]

Please don’t dedicate this song to your lovers, it’s too good to become a sad memory you can’t bring yourself to go back to.

[@notability-austingieselman5193]

Nah that’s what melodrama was for

[@franksilva9743]

You saved me. Thank you so much.

[@Robert-bs6ww]

too late...

[@ReubMann]

@@notability-austingieselman5193 lmao

[@ifyougettheblues]

Safe!!

[@MAYJAlLOR]

im so glad she made this album. im currently in a healing process and she's making it so much easier. thank u ella :)

[@pumpkinspicelatte4448]

I became a fan of Lorde because of this album after I heard the single Solar Power. Then I went to listen Pure Heroine and Melodrama. I find Melodrama my fav and even tho SP is something very different from the previous, I still don't get why people are disliking it. Ella is showing a very different side of herself, and how she has grown up through these years with this album, and I adore it. People should take time to hear what she is putting into this new record. Besides, artists are also people, they can do whatever artwork they want.

[@marieduardamaia]

this is so incredibly full of feelings... please, listen to the entire solar power with an open mind! my heart is so muthafking overwhelmed. endlessly thankful for u, ella

[@user-pg7gl2xd8i]

This doesn't sound like a 2021 song at all and I love it!

[@kaitlynmaddux3504]

It’s that chord progression 😩

[@lithw01]

It does

[@Aysegullllll]

her lyricism is OUT of this world!! Like??

[@Blueiesky4069]

am now liking her sp songs 6 months later. It takes time to appreciate her new muic. Thanks lorde. I don't feel alone after listening to your new music. I feel comforted.

[@ZarrysLux]

the production on this track is GORGEOUS and the way she sings it ugh so much flavor

[@universeinaday]

Not me thinking this was a sad song the first time I heard it...now I realize it is a very powerful love song.

[@veronicagiannetti266]

I just wanna say that I'm struggling with my depression and this new album is healing me in someway, that's so powerful...Lorde's art is always a cure for my soul and she's just came in the right time to me the sun in my life... I'm just so grateful, it was everything I needed... I have strong panic attacks and anxiety too but this album makes me feel stronger and it gives me peace and relax, it feels like a long meditation session 🌱 So grateful💛

[@fadyalhachem]

Hugs and light to you 🤗

[@beepbeep4287]

ahhh the guitar, the harmonies. everything 😭❤️❤️

[@katelorraine4947]

It's day 3 and I'm still crying because of this song. It's one of Ella's favourites from the album and it's mine too 😭

[@ninyomarr]

2:16 - 2:44 was stuck in my head, eventually the song grew on me and became one of my favorites in this album.

[@lorenzobarsotti4090]

THIS SONG IS CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED

[@erin2479]

If I had to break it down, I'd say it's the way you love to dance Moving the furniture when my back is turned A flick of the lights and the world falls away And your office job, and your silver hair But our shapes in the dark are the reason I've stayed for all these years I thought I was a genius But now I'm twenty two And it's starting to feel like all I know how to do is Put on a suit and take it away With my fistful of tunes that it's painful to play Fingernail worlds, like favourite seashells They fill up my nights and then they float away I've got hundreds of gowns, I've got paintings in frames And a throat that fills with panic every festival day Dutifully falling apart for the princess of Norway But you with your doll's lashes, your infinite T-shirts I should've known when your favourite record was the same as my father's you'd take me down I guess I'll always be this way Swallowed up by the words and halfway to space But there by the fire, you offered your hand And as I took it, I loved you, the boy with the plan You felled me clean as a pine The man with the axe And the light in his eyes We've been through so many hard times, I'm writing a love song For you, baby

[@taylorbarnhart7610]

this is the best things shes ever written my god

[@NoOne-tk3ww]

it's been two months and this has been the soundtrack of my life😭😭😭

[@tiredngl2317]

Something special about this one

[@dreameroptimist02]

I love this album soooo much. This is a concept album, a visual album that's flows in its own unique way. She did it so right and perfect.

[@koby_in_renaissance]

THIS IS LIKE THE BEST SONG EVER

[@keatonwittwer776]

This album is so calm and raw and I love it! Completely different from the electronic-pop of her last two albums

[@jch5197]

The best song of the Album, IMO

[@jellyslapper2872]

This song hit me the hardest. I’m calling it my favourite of the album!

[@Mc-xm1to]

This is the most sonically pleasing in the album.

[@cotufasinsal]

Definitely one of her most beautiful songs

[@jettesy5944]

Your music is my cure for depression. Your music/album always come to the right time, I don't know but your timing really saved my life for a lot of times. I will be forever grateful for that. It keeps suicide being my last resort to go to, so thank you. God bless us...

[@tami6577]

Solar power is one of the very few best things that ever happened to me since 2020 like I am stupidly emotional listening to this

[@user-ep8bk5ku6g]

The whole album has Pink Floyd vibes and I'm so here for it

[@zenunderground9893]

Yeah! This definitely has some Pink Floyd vibes. This sounds similar to something that could have been on Pink Floyd's Meddle Album. I was thinking maybe even Led Zeppelin 3 similarities

[@TONYSINS]

This song sounds like slow dancing in a smoke-filled room.

[@thermophilia848]

"but you, with your doll's lashes, your infinite t-shirts, i should've known when your favourite record was the same as my father's" ahem... AAAAAAAAAAAA SERIOUSLY!! these lyrics describe me and my girlfriend's relationship so well, i feel like crying (and most times i do cry) every time i listen to this song! thank you for this gem, ella

[@marcolopez6443]

3:50 best part

[@eranaharper8270]

3:50 'we've been through so many hard times, I'm writing a love song for you, baby'

[@franz2826]

no bc this line breaks my heart so much😭😭😭

[@eranaharper8270]

@@franz2826 it's my favourite part of the WHOLE album lmao

[@liz00max]

So many incredible songs at the same time.

[@pedrosalles9273]

Another skipless album. I think this is my favorite love song ever, the images are so beautiful

[@AM-nv4ol]

this is why i love her. i love how raw these songs are. the beats are so minimal yet effective and her lyrics and voice just work perfectly. bravo. this song especially hits.

[@shee839]

This song at night is an emotion

[@saintsible3102]

the songwriting here is exquisite

[@arkma8483]

Lorde, literalmente salvaste mi 2021 🙏🛐

[@lwtgraei274]

HER VOICE SOUNDS SO EXQUISUTE OH GHAD

[@walidx4551]

The way she says T-shirts 😭😭

[@finalsong8284]

Lorde: "The man with the axe" The man with the axe: "Here's Johnny!"

[@halleperry6155]

PLEASE this song is so criminally underrated

[@mariama8995]

There is something so magical about this song💗💗

[@bedtimeforrobots6228]

Literally the best song she has ever recorded.

[@whitney2582]

The first time I heard this I instantly knew it would be one of my favorites songs of all time.

[@virgoinfilm]

the most beautiful song ever written.

[@patrickacolifloresvillasen1731]

This song makes me want to cry every time I listen to it. SKKS reminds me of the person who gave me stability during times when all I knew was to run away 😭😭😭😭

[@caseyblackmon2450]

This album is so powerful and perfect ❤

[@yahirmm3907]

Te amo lorde por ti le echo ganas a la escuela 🤧🤧❤️🇲🇽

[@andrevega403]

🇵🇪

[@wydjoel6282]

a qué hora sale su álbum en Spotify?

[@erickeduardo6553]

🇮🇹

[@arkma8483]

🇲🇽🖤

[@valesandoval8177]

@@wydjoel6282 ya salio

[@Davianaya_]

Queria saber como algumas pessoas não conseguem apreciar "solar power" pra mim é o melhor álbum da Lorde. Hoje tenho 22 anos e acompanho ela des dos meus 14 anos. E sem dúvidas esse álbum é para quem sabe apreciar Lorde e não para quem está dentro da caixinha das músicas convencionais da indústria. Lorde é uma obra de arte, ela é todo um museu de arte, agradeço a Deus por ter nascido na mesma geração que essa mulher. Obrigado Ella.

[@exooon]

This song makes me cry a lot. I feel that sometimes I'm not worthy to be Loved. I have so much trauma and I feel like no one can stand to be with me.

[@camillechauve1352]

'dutifally falling apart for the Princess of Norway' references when she had to perform in front of the Norwegian royal family and she thought she wouldn't be able to because she was sick...

[@gremlyn1658]

Haha, I thought it was about fangirling over AURORA.

[@camillechauve1352]

@@gremlyn1658 Well, she didn't explicitly say "this is about the Norwegian royal family", but she said somewhere (I don't quite recall where but I think it's one of her recent interviews) that one of her worst moments was when she had a chest infection and she had to perform in front of the royal family and thought she wouldn't be able to do it because of the sickness - but she did!

[@lucreziapellanda9288]

Yes, she said that in 73 questions with lorde! Poor lorde, had I been her I would have died

[@pqcman]

Kindof has that dreamy 60s-70s psychedelic/fi vibe!! I'm taking this one over melodrama already and for sure! great work girl

[@nannybells]

still the best one

[@johnidalis]

when she says "now im 22" i felt that, as I am 22 rn XD (i was 19 when i first listened to "perfect places", i feel honored i get to grow up with her discography haha)

[@acelee8759]

We needed this, thank you Ella. Keep doing what you do

[@rayroark3333]

One of my most favorite songs from the album. It has that beautiful dark indie pop sound that describes my artistic vibes.

[@jellyslapper2872]

The “but you” at 2:15 makes my heart sink!!!!

[@avery3400]

i feel like this album is calm and comforting and i just love it so much

[@lithw01]

This song is soooooooo deep

[@dandan95dandan]

She's the mother I never had, she is the sister everybody would want, she is the friend that everybody deserves. I don't know a better person

[@jiribb9300]

I'm living for these different font styles on each of the solar power audios

[@flaminhotnoodles]

this is so dreamy, it literally sounds how love feels

[@meredithguillemette7603]

I want to fall in love with this song tbh

[@ivanmartinez6763]

Quiero estar acostado en una hamaca escuchando esta canción que transmite tanta paz 🔆🔆

[@user-bi6zf2rg8y]

i'm in São Paulo today, completely hurt and gazing through the windows, not knowing what to do with my life, and what has been calming me are the beats of this song, thank you Lorde, I hope you're well wherever you are.

[@jamescowan9109]

Good morning , dajivue feeling .thank you Lord

[@aBunnyThatWillChewOnYourCables]

*Lorde is truly the greatest lyricist of this century.* 💛

[@derrickmuturi5343]

This album has definitely grown on me. I appreciate it more right now.

[@marieduardamaia]

i’m crying / sobbing so hard right noooow !!!!!

[@janna149]

2:16 gives me chills

[@SamyBgs]

How is this song only hitting me now? I would always skip it but I've been having it in my head for DAYS now..... what the hell have you done to me Lorde... This song is crazy beautiful.