Who is David Lorde? Theories Behind the Mysterious Final Track on Her New Album “Virgin”

Lorde has officially returned — and she’s stirred up a wave of emotion and speculation with her brand-new album Virgin, released on June 27, 2025. While the entire album explores themes of vulnerability, identity, and emotional rebirth, it’s the final track, simply titled “David,” that has left fans puzzled and fascinated in equal measure.

So, who is David Lorde? 

Strangely, the lyrics of the song never actually mention a “David.” There’s no reference to the name or any clear clue — just a title. That ambiguity has sparked Reddit threads, TikTok theories, and fan essays, all trying to decode the meaning.

Popular Theories: Who Could David Be?

1. A Biblical Reference – David vs. Goliath

Many fans believe “David” refers to the biblical figure who defeated Goliath, symbolizing the triumph of the underdog. Given Lorde’s themes of reclaiming strength after loss, the metaphor fits — a quiet reclaiming of power from someone or something larger than life.

2. Michelangelo’s Statue of David

Another favorite theory is that “David” refers to Michelangelo’s statue — a symbol of idealized beauty, strength, and masculinity. Fans suggest the track might be Lorde’s way of deconstructing that ideal, peeling back perfection to reveal something more flawed and human — aligning with the vulnerable tone of Virgin.

3. David Bowie – An Emotional Tribute?

The David Bowie theory is especially powerful. Bowie and Lorde met in 2013, and he once said she was “the future of music.” Their bond was well-documented, and though “David” may not be a direct tribute, many feel it could reflect how deeply he influenced her, especially during a time of artistic identity and growth.

4. A Personal David – Possibly Justin Warren?

The most emotional theory suggests “David” is a stand-in name for someone real — possibly Justin Warren, Lorde’s long-rumored partner of nearly a decade. Though the two never confirmed their relationship, they were often spotted together. Lorde recently spoke to Rolling Stone about going through a breakup and the tendency to attach herself to older men — a dynamic that fits Warren, who is 17 years her senior.

Fans point to the album title, Virgin, and its raw emotional journey, as Lorde’s symbolic “rebirth” — and “David” as the moment she begins to separate her identity from those power dynamics.

Why the Mystery Might Be the Message

By never directly revealing who David is, Lorde invites listeners to project their own meanings. Whether the track symbolizes an icon, an ideal, or an intimate relationship, its emotional weight feels universal. Lorde leaves it deliberately open-ended — a final note of transformation, with no neat resolution.

And maybe that’s the point. Just like heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery — not everything needs a clear answer.