There’s new (and very Melodrama-esque) Lorde music out, which means we must discuss some of the wildest lore of our time: the Lorde and Jack Antonoff saga. If you have no clue what I’m talking about, you’re probably employed and that’s totally valid. Basically, there’s a rumor that Jack had an affair with Lorde while he was producing Melodrama and still in a serious relationship with Girls icon Lena Dunham. The rumor goes that Melodrama is actually about Lorde’s situationship with the producer. Has any of this been confirmed by Jack, Lorde, or Lena? Of course not, LOL. It’s purely rumors and speculation from fans — there’s even a famous, college-level PowerPoint about the alleged drama. Maybe I just spend too much time on TikTok and Reddit, but I do find the popular fan theory kinda convincing.

After analyzing the lyrics of Lorde’s new track, “What Was That,” fans are wondering if the song is about the singer’s past with Jack. Since the internet is once again curious about what went down between these two, it’s time for a detailed refresher on the alleged drama. Here’s a breakdown of the Lorde and Jack Antonoff dating rumors, plus a bonus analysis of the “What Was That” lyrics.

Lorde And Jack Antonoff Dating And Cheating Rumors, Explained

The Jack Antonoff And Lorde PowerPoint And Dating Rumors

@bellebarks what party 4 u sounds like to me (sorry) #party4u #charli #lorde #jackantonoff ♬ original sound – belle barks

*Keep in mind this is just all rumors and fan theories!* The fan who created the now-iconic PowerPoint about Jack and Lorde believes their rumored fling began in 2016, while they were working on Melodrama together. At the time, Lena was apparently away often, busy campaigning for Hillary Clinton. This dedicated fan went so far as to identify possible connections to Jack in literally every Melodrama track. For example, Lorde said herself that she was inspired to write “Green Light” after attending a concert with Jack. And in a tweet about “Sober,” she wrote: “I’ll never forget writing the first demo it was like a trance I guided Jack to the chords almost wordlessly with my hands on his shoulders.” I mean, that does kinda give romantic…

Jack and Lena split in December 2017 after five years together — just a few months after Melodrama came out. By January 2018, there were reports that Jack was dating someone new. The following month, Jack and Lorde were spotted looking very couple-y together in Lorde’s hometown, Auckland, New Zealand. (There’s a photo of her with her arms wrapped around him, and they’re both grinning.)

All that being said, Jack and Lorde have both denied the dating rumors. “Normally I would never address rumors but I resent having the most important friendships and working relationships in my life reduced to dumb hetero normative gossip,” Jack wrote on X (then-Twitter) in January 2018. “Those relationships are deeply important and sacred. With that said, I’m not seeing anyone. lol.” In a February 2018 Instagram Live, Lorde set the record straight herself. “Guys… Jack and I are not dating, for the last time,” she said. “I love him, he’s awesome. But we’re not dating! Please!”

Is Lorde’s “What Was That” About Jack Antonoff?

@notyourbubbe whatever it’s about it’s SO GOOD #lorde #whatwasthat #wwt #dannigro #jackantonoff #slay ♬ What Was That – Lorde

Now, some fans are convinced that Lorde’s new electro-pop breakup banger is about this alleged Jack situationship. “Yeah, I’m missin’ you / And all the things we used to do,” she croons. “We kissed for hours straight, well, baby, what was that?”

It’s honestly hard to say who this song’s about, but I suppose there is a hint or two that could possibly link it to Jack. Lorde sings, “Since l was 17, I gave you everything.” Yes, Lorde and Jack did meet when she was 17. According to the Grammy website, they “hit it off at a Grammy party in 2014” and decided to collaborate after that. Also, Lorde worked with Jack on Melodrama and Solar Power, but he notably did not produce “What Was That.” 

Lesson complete. I hope you feel educated.