bra·va·do: n. pl. bra·va·dos or bra·va·does

1. a. Defiant or swaggering behavior: strove to prevent our courage from turning into bravado. b. A pretense of courage; a false show of bravery.

2. A disposition toward showy defiance or false expressions of courage.

Bravado is a good word. I love the definition. To me, it means pulling yourself up from your bootstraps because you have to, not because you want to. And sometimes you need to do just that. It means putting on a face because you feel like it will make things easier for other people, not because you have a reason to smile.

I found myself sitting on a patio in LA last night as it was just spitting on the city. Not rain. Just an awkward mist that leaves you in this limbo of not quite wet, not quite dry. Not quite happy, but you don’t know what you are unhappy about. I feel like there is a similar attitude in this song from Lorde. Lorde was recently featured on EMPT for her mash-up with Biggie (if you have not already, look this up immediately after you enjoy this track). The lyrics to Bravado sends a depressing message about putting on a show, a façade of courage and stardom. The remix that New Zealand beatmaker FFFRRANNNO created makes this darkly worded song into a delightful dance number. His bravado being that he has taken this darkly worded song and made you smile and dance. A true act of defiance against a bad mood song.

I had a talk with someone on that porch last night. She tried to lift me up with some words of encouragement. I feel like so many of my friends are in this state of limbo. They are fine, but not totally satisfied . What is wrong with this? With us? Her bravado was much more believable than mine.

It’s fine. I’m just being dramatic.

Lorde – Bravado (FFFRRANNNO Remix)