Disclosure (Ft. Lorde) – “Magnets” Lyrics Meaning

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Written By Joanna Landrum

Joanna holds a BSc in English Literature and uses her expertise in literary analysis to uncover the deeper meaning of her favorite songs.

“Magnets” by Disclosure featuring Lorde is a song about illicit love and the magnetic pull of attraction. It delves into the complexity of a forbidden relationship, capturing the thrilling yet dangerous allure of being drawn to someone you shouldn’t be. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a secret liaison, filled with intense emotions and a sense of recklessness. The song’s message is about embracing the moment, even if it means crossing the line of what’s deemed acceptable. It’s not just about a physical connection; it’s about the irresistible force that draws two people together despite the potential consequences. Lorde, with her hauntingly beautiful voice, perfectly expresses these sentiments, encapsulating the blend of desire, guilt, and excitement of such a forbidden romance.

Curious about the deeper layers of “Magnets”? Keep reading to uncover this captivating song’s hidden meanings and intriguing story.


“Magnets” Lyrics Meaning

“Never really felt bad about it, As we drank deep from a lie,” sets the tone for “Magnets”. It’s a confession, an admission of a forbidden love, wrapped in the thrill of secrecy. The song opens with a sense of defiance against conventional morality, suggesting a relationship that thrives on the very fact that it’s not supposed to happen.

In “The second I saw you through half-shut eyes,” there’s a hint of immediate, irresistible attraction. This isn’t just a physical connection; it’s an emotional and spiritual magnetism. The imagery of “Smoke and sunset, off Mulholland” paints a dreamlike, almost surreal backdrop to this forbidden romance, suggesting a setting that’s as intoxicating as the relationship itself.

The lines “You and that girl, is she your girlfriend? Face from heaven, bet the world she don’t know,” reveal a layer of complexity and perhaps a tinge of jealousy. It’s clear that this relationship is an escape from reality, a secret shared between two people that’s unknown to the outside world. “Pretty girls don’t know the things that I know,” further implies a sense of superiority, a belief that this secret connection is more profound than what’s seen on the surface.

The chorus, “Uh-oh, dancing past the point of no return,” is particularly powerful. It encapsulates the idea of crossing a line from which there’s no turning back. The repetition of “Let’s embrace the point of no return” serves as a mantra, a deliberate choice to dive into this affair, fully aware of its consequences but choosing to ignore them for the sake of the moment.

“Never really thought we would make it, We be thinking ’bout what could’ve been,” brings a touch of realism. It acknowledges that this relationship might not have a future, but there’s a reluctance to let go, a desire to hold onto what they have for as long as possible.

The Story Behind “Magnets”

The lyrics hint at a deep understanding of complex emotions, suggesting that the writers have experienced the highs and lows of a love that defies norms. The state of mind during its creation was possibly one of conflict – a battle between heart and head, desire and morality. The lyrics’ raw and honest portrayal of such a turbulent emotional landscape indicates that the songwriters were in a place where they were grappling with the very notions they were writing about. This internal conflict is palpable throughout the song, giving it a sense of authenticity and relatability.

“Smoke and sunset, off Mulholland,” for instance, isn’t just a line; it’s a mood, a memory, perhaps a specific moment in the songwriter’s life that inspired these words. The song, therefore, becomes more than just a story about an illicit affair; it’s a window into the soul of the songwriter, a glimpse of the emotional turmoil and the exhilarating thrill of a forbidden romance.

In conclusion, “Magnets” is not just a song about a secret love affair. It’s a reflection of the complex human emotions that accompany such a relationship. The lyrics, infused with personal experiences and emotional depth, speak of a love that’s as intoxicating as it is forbidden, a magnetic attraction that defies logic and societal norms.