Man of the Year by Lorde

Song Name

Man of the Year

Album

Virgin (fourth studio album)

Genres

• Downtempo
• Pop

Beats per Minute (BPM)

The song’s bpm, according to the official data released, is G Major. The alternate data is 89 BPM with C Major key (Camelot 8B). The Tempo data varies by source, 104 BPM, and is likely studio metadata. The 89 BPM may reflect an actual feel.

Musical Scale

The Musical Scale of the song is C Major and G Major

Estimated Budget

No official figure has been published for the production or music video budget. Given the sounding-level production and high-concept visual style, the music video was likely moderately high-budget, typical for major-label artists, but an exact estimate is unavailable. Although if one had to guess, the budget could roughly be around US$300,000 – $600,000

Release Date

May 29, 2025 via Universal New Zealand/Republic Records

Reach & Chart Performance

• New Zealand: peaked at #11
• Ireland: reached #56
• Australia (ARIA): peaked at #92

Streaming & Platform Metrics

• Spotify: Embedded track confirmed; specific streams count not publicly released.
• YouTube (official video): released with the single; views likely in the millions but specific numbers unavailable.
• Melon 24Hits Chart: No data accessible; Korean charting not reported.
• Apple Music / Amazon Music: Available globally; official streams/download figures for this single not publicly disclosed.

Actors in Music Video

Features Lorde herself (taped chest, dancing in loft filled with dirt), directed by Grant Singer—no other actors credited.

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Gliding through on my bike, gliding through
Like new from my recent ego death
Sirens sing overnight, violent, sweet music
You met me at a really strange time in my life
Take my knife and I cut the cord
My babe can’t believe I’ve become someone else
Someone more like myself

[Chorus]
Who’s gon’ love me like this?
Oh, who could give me lightness?
Let it flow down to me
Love me like this
Now I’m broken open
Uh-huh-uh-uh

[Verse 2]
Now I go ’bout my day, riding it like a wave
Playing it any way I want
Swish mouthwash, jerk off
Uh-uh-uh

Days go by in a haze, stay up and sleep late

[Chorus]
Who’s gon’ love me like this?
Oh, who could give me lightness?
Way he flow down through me
Love me like this
Now I’m broken open
Let’s hear it for the man of the year
Uh-huh-uh-uh
Hear it for the man of the year
Uh-huh-uh-uh

[Outro]
How I hope that I’m remembered, my
Gold chain, my shoulders, my face in the light, oh
I didn’t think he’d appear
Let’s hear it for the man of the year
Hear it for the man of the year
Let’s hear it for the man of the year

Review Summary

“Man of the Year” by Lorde is a bold, introspective track that blends moody downtempo beats with stripped-back pop minimalism to deliver an emotional punch rooted in self-discovery and quiet rebellion. Far from the flashy hooks of viral pop, this song relies on lyrical vulnerability and raw vocal delivery, making it a standout on her album Virgin. Lorde’s vocals are restrained yet piercing, layered over a hypnotic production that builds tension without ever exploding—mirroring the song’s message of transformation without spectacle.

The accompanying music video, directed by Grant Singer, enhances the track’s intimate tone with symbolic visuals of Lorde performing in a dirt-covered loft, chest bound and dancing freely, marking a personal evolution that challenges both gender norms and pop expectations. Critics have praised “Man of the Year” as one of her most artistically mature works, with outlets like Pitchfork and Vulture commending its emotional restraint and poetic structure. It’s not just a song—it’s a declaration of identity, crafted with subtle genius and uncompromising sincerity.

“Man of the Year” is an introspective, genre-blending downtempo-pop track where Lorde lays bare her evolving identity. Musically restrained yet emotionally potent, it reflects her growth both as an artist and as an individual. The visuals, lyrics, and critical reception all point to a song that resonates deeply—not just as a hit, but as a powerful statement.

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