Bravado

I think she is writing about the four years she spent being groomed by the record label from when she was 12 until now. She was signed for her unique voice at 12, but when she wasn't connecting personally with songs they wanted her to sing, they suggested she write.

"All my life I’ve been fighting a war I can’t talk to you or your friends It’s not only you My heart jumps around when I’m eluded to This will not do"

In this verse, she's talking about how she is fighting for what she wants regarding music, her passion, but that now her friends look at her differently. She said in an interview that her friends had no idea she was recording an EP and album on the weekends sometimes. They had no idea she had been signed since 12. She explained that in her country, they don't really have a concept of fame because it's so small. It has to be difficult to come out and admit you are being internationally recognized for your music to your friends, and she explains why in the next verse.

"'Cause I was raised up to be admired, To be noticed But when you’re withdrawn It’s the closest thing To a someone who lies around you This will not do"

She was raised to be noticed and admired for her talents, but she isn't naturally a performer or outgoing.

The rest of the song, it's clear that she is making the decision to grab her dream by the horns. She wants the "the applause the approval the things that make [her] go oh." And "when the lights turn on" she is ready.

"It’s a switch flipped It’s a pill tipped back It’s a moon eclipsed"

She is talking about what happens when she steps on stage. She explained to her friends that Lorde is a different person from Ella. Lorde is her stage name, a character she believes in when she is performing. She flips the switch, or takes a pill, and Ella is eclipsed by Lorde.