Remember last month when I (regrettably) linked that fan version of the Lorde song “Royals,” only with lyrics talking about how awesome being a St. Louis Cardinals fan was? Man, that was the worst thing ever.
But not only was it awful, it wasn’t even the most valid baseball connection to that song from the state of Missouri! From Lisa Gutierrez of the Kansas City Star, who did some archive diving to find out what really did inspire the biggest hit of the year:When the teen singer-songwriter sat down with VH1 a few weeks back to explain the song that mocks the luxe lifestyle of famous musicians, she revealed her inspiration: A photo of a Kansas City Royals baseball player . . . In that interview, Lorde explained how she “had this image from the National Geographic of this dude just signing baseballs. He was a baseball player and his shirt said, ‘Royals.’
“It was just that word. It’s really cool.”
UPDATE! Reader @LBtross has found what appears to be the pic. It’s from National Geographic and, sadly, it’s not Billy Butler. It’s George Brett, surrounded by kids, signing autographs.
That’s OK, Country Breakfast. You will always be my queen bee:
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 27: Billy Butler #16 of the Kansas City Royals stands on the field during the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on September 27, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Royals defeated the White Sox 6-1. (Photo by Brian D. Kersey/Getty Images)
Brian D. Kersey
