This is Song of the Day with Neena Savage where I, Neena Savage, share my song of the day.
I love leaning into my emotions through music. Listening to sad music when I’m sad just makes sense! If you get it, you get it, if you don’t… well you’re missing out on tear-crusted pillows and existential sob fests in the shower.
Today’s song is Shades Of Cool by Lana Del Ray
Shades of Cool written by Lana Del Rey and Rick Nowels is on Lana’s third studio album, the influential Ultraviolence (2014)
I don’t know whether it’s the Valentine’s day hangover or the grey Vancouver skies, but I’ve dove head-first into one of my habitual Lana Del Rey phases.
When I first gained access to the internet, I got sucked into the world of 2014 Tumblr. I idolized Lana and Marina (lead singer of Marina and the Diamonds). I even forced my mom to take me to American Apparel so I could mimic their soft grunge look.
Poor grade 6 Neena…
Lana Del Rey isn’t the most ideal role model for young girls. She’s been known to romanticize abuse, glamourize ‘white America’ and perpetuate outdated gender norms.
“he hit me and it felt like a kiss.” (Ultraviolence, 2014)
“tell me you own me.” (Off to the Races, 2012)
Her problematic lyrics and undertones aren’t so obvious to the 13-year-old listener.
https://www.tiktok.com/@lauravondahl/video/6985248545855065350?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en&q=lana%20del%20rey%20lolita&t=1645147718330
A preteen listening to a song called ‘Lolita’ just shouldn’t be allowed.
Listening to Lana Del Rey now, as a 20-year-old, is a nostalgic and emotional experience. I think her music can only be understood as an adult. There is pure trauma in her lyrics and if you take her poetry at face value, yeah it’s horrible. But the underlying themes of feminity and romance are beautiful and unapologetic, just not for the ear of a child.
It’s unbelievably hard to be a Lana Del Rey fan. She continually frustrates me and then leaves me in awe through her music.
What are your thoughts on Lana’s complicated image and discography?