Why Lorde’s “Green Light” Resonates as the Ultimate Coming-of-Age Anthem

The Broadway play, “John Proctor Is the Villain,” features a pivotal scene set to Lorde’s “Green Light,” highlighting its significance as a powerful coming-of-age anthem, especially for young women.

Initially, Lorde’s hit single vividly portrays the raw pain of a relationship’s demise. The unconventional musical structure and minor key underscore the chaotic nature of heartbreak; a feeling of disorientation and profound emotional upheaval.

However, the song’s progression is remarkable. The transition from minor to major key in the pre-chorus marks a turning point. The lyrics, “But I hear sounds in my mind / brand new sounds in my mind,” capture the transformative experience of overcoming adversity and finding new creative avenues.

This creative rebirth applies to both artistic expression and personal growth. The pain endured becomes a catalyst for self-discovery and a source of inspiration, yielding new creative tools and expressions.

This creative process is not exclusive to artists; it’s a universal experience of self-creation and identity formation. The journey through pain often leads to new territories, commonly during the formative teenage years.

Released when Lorde was 20, “Green Light,” the opening track of “Melodrama,” beautifully reflects this teenage experience. The intensity of emotions and the juxtaposition of seemingly contradictory feelings are hallmarks of adolescence, as Lorde herself explained in an interview.

In “John Proctor Is the Villain,” the play’s climactic scene, featuring a choreographed dance to “Green Light,” symbolizes teenage girls’ reclamation of their bodies and their journey through trauma to joy. The dance is a fusion of rebellion, self-expression, and the transformative power of art.

The dance’s intensity, mirroring Lorde’s energetic performances, conveys bodily autonomy and self-expression, not for the gaze of others, but as a potent form of ritualistic self-discovery.

The lyrics, “Did it frighten you? / How we kissed when we danced on the light-up floor?” highlight the often-intimidating intensity of teenage girls’ emotions. Their powerful feelings and expressions can be perceived as unsettling by those unfamiliar with the experience.

In conclusion, “Green Light” powerfully captures the essence of the coming-of-age experience. It’s a testament to the transformative power of pain, resilience, and the importance of self-expression.