That Was Lulu

Song Meaning

Richard Marx's "That Was Lulu" isn't just a cautionary tale; it's a masterclass in the seductive power of chaos. The song paints Lulu not as a mere femme fatale, but as a force of nature, an agent of entropy disguised in irresistible charm. The opening lines immediately establish a scene of disarray and vulnerability: waking up disoriented, robbed, and haunted by a fleeting memory. This isn't a simple case of being swindled; it's a primal violation, a stripping away of identity and control. Marx smartly positions Lulu as a known quantity, a recurring nightmare in the lives of many, signified by the "dozens of guys who've been there." These aren't isolated incidents; they're a pattern of destruction, leaving behind "scars" and debts, both literal and emotional. The chorus, with its repetitive "That was Lulu," acts as a mantra of recognition, a resigned acknowledgment of her devastating impact. It also cleverly avoids simple explanations, hinting at something beyond simple deception ("That ain't legal / That ain't voodoo"). The genius of the "That Was Lulu" lyrics lies in the escalating imagery of her destructive power. She's not just a thief of wallets; she's a wrecker of lives, present at every personal disaster (“Lulu's there whey your airplane / Just happens to crash”). This hints at a deeper, almost supernatural influence. Lulu is the embodiment of bad luck, the seductive allure of self-destruction. She emerges unscathed from every catastrophe, leaving behind only wreckage and unanswered questions, never leaving her name, suggesting a desire to remain an anonymous force of chaos. The line, "she's made her reputation making strong men cry," speaks volumes about Lulu's power. She doesn't target the weak; she preys on strength, turning it into vulnerability. However, the final verse delivers the most devastating blow, revealing a personal connection to the narrator: "Who do you think ran away with my heart?" This isn't just an observer's account; it's a confession of personal violation. The narrator isn't just warning others; he's grappling with his own history with Lulu. This revelation transforms the song from a simple warning into a complex exploration of desire, vulnerability, and the enduring power of destructive forces. "That Was Lulu" becomes a mirror, reflecting the listener's own encounters with the seductive allure of chaos, and the lingering scars it leaves behind. The song meaning transcends the literal, touching on the universal human experience of being drawn to what ultimately harms us.