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Changes: Cola (song)

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|artist = Lana Del Rey
  
|artist = Lana Del Rey
 
|written = [[Lana Del Rey]]<br>[[Rick Nowels]]
  
|written = [[Lana Del Rey]]<br>[[Rick Nowels]]
−
|producer = [[Rick Nowels]]
 +
|producer = Rick Nowels<br>[[Devrim Karaoğlu|DK]]
−
|time = 4:20
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|time = 4:20<br>{{OfficialVersions}}
−
|Source = [[File:Plogo.png|125px|link=Paradise (album)]]
 +
|Source = [[File:Plogo.png|125px|link=Paradise (EP)]]
  +
|Singles = {{PS}}
⚫
|album = [[Paradise (album)|Paradise]]
  
  +
|DS = {{PDS}}
  ⚫
|album = [[Paradise (EP)|Paradise]]
 
|previous = "[[American (song)|American]]"
  
|previous = "[[American (song)|American]]"
 
|next = "[[Body Electric (song)|Body Electric]]"
  
|next = "[[Body Electric (song)|Body Electric]]"
  +
|recorded = September 2, 2011}}
⚫
}}
  
  +
{{Wikipedia|Cola (Lana Del Rey song)}}
−
"'''Cola'''" (alternately registered as both "'''Pussy'''"<ref>Cola/Pussy registered as an alternate title of Pussy/Cola (respectively) on ISWC (Cola: T-803.186.838-0) (Pussy: T-912.818.068-7)</ref> and "'''My Pussy Tastes Like Pepsi Cola'''"<ref>APRA|AMCOS title search lists "My Pussy Tastes Like Pepsi Cola" as an alias of "Cola" (APRA ID: GW43398940)</ref>) is a song by [[Lana Del Rey]] off her third EP and second major release, ''[[Paradise (EP)|Paradise]]''. The track was written by Lana Del Rey and [[Rick Nowels]], who also produced the track. "Cola" was due to serve as the second single from ''Paradise'' worldwide, but no release date was set and the release was presumably scrapped.
 +
"'''Cola'''" (also known as "'''My Pussy Tastes Like Pepsi Cola'''"<ref>APRA|AMCOS title search lists "My Pussy Tastes Like Pepsi Cola" as an alias of "Cola" (APRA ID: GW43398940)</ref> and registered as "'''Pussy'''") is a song by [[Lana Del Rey]] off her third studio EP and third major-label release, ''[[Paradise (EP)|Paradise]]''. The track was co-written with [[Rick Nowels]], who also produced the track.
   
 
==Background==
  
==Background==
−
Lana revealed in an interview on November 13, 2012 with KIIS FM Radio that the song would be released as the second single off ''Paradise'', but no further details or release dates were announced since.
 +
Del Rey revealed in an interview on [[2012/November#November 13|November 13, 2012]], with KIIS FM Radio that the song would be released as the second single off of ''[[Paradise (EP)|Paradise]]'', but no further details or release dates were announced since and the release was scrapped. The single's scrapped artwork leaked on November 10, 2020.{{Speculation|dead|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/CHYQoudn0Ef/?igshid=1pyl2zyrzkx33}} The song's official instrumental leaked on November 17, 2018. The instrumental leaked in lossless format on August 9, 2023.
   
  +
<gallery widths="150" orientation="square" columns="3" position="center" spacing="small">
⚫
==Cross references==
  
  +
ColaCovertArt.jpg
−
*The phrase "Friday night" was also used in the songs "[[Born to Die (song)|Born to Die]]" and "[[Body Electric (song)|Body Electric]]'".
  
  +
</gallery>
   
  +
A snippet of a demo version of the track titled “Pussy” leaked on April 4, 2023. An unleaked laptop demo is also speculated to exist.{{Speculation}}
⚫
==Monologue==
  
⚫
Similar to the style of the monologue used in the introduction of the "[[Ride (song)|Ride]]" music video, a monolgue speech was recorded to the intoduction of the "Cola" instrumental and was later used in a promotional video used to accompany the April, 2013 edition of L'Officiel Paris, a French fashion magazine which features Lana as "Rosalita", Mexico's movie star queen.
  
   
  +
==Use in media==
⚫
In addition to being used in the video for L'Officiel, it was also believed that the monologue would be featured in a music video for "Cola", but as no official video has been announced or released, this is unlikely to occur.
  
  +
The song was used in an episode of Italian agricultural program ''Linea Verde''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Damiano|url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2LRNs6IKvy/|work=Instagram|date=January 16, 2024|accessdate=February 10, 2024}}</ref>
   
  +
==Critical reception==
⚫
{{Scroll box
  
  +
"Cola" received polarized reviews. The track was described as containing "fresh, is-she-serious? lyrics" in response to the controversial opening line - "my pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lana Del Rey releases afterthought |last=Rosen |first=Genevieve |work=Stuff |date=September 11, 2012 |accessdate=June 22, 2023 |url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/7725851/Lana-Del-Rey-releases-afterthought}}</ref> ''Hindustan Times'' criticized the song snippet, saying it proved she was running out of ideas and that the song sounded similar to the other album tracks.<ref>{{cite web | title=Lana Del Rey floats latest album sampler | work=Hindustan Times | date=September 25, 2012 | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Music/Lana-Del-Rey-floats-latest-album-sampler/Article1-935533.aspx | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114103746/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Music/Lana-Del-Rey-floats-latest-album-sampler/Article1-935533.aspx | archivedate=November 14, 2013 | urlstatus=dead | accessdate=June 22, 2023}}</ref> Robert Copsey of Digital Spy noted that the hooks on "Cola" were polished, but did not compromise Del Rey's bold image.<ref>{{cite web | title=Lana Del Rey: 'Paradise' - EP review | work=Digital Spy | date=November 28, 2012 | url=http://www.digitalspy.com:80/music/albumreviews/a437881/lana-del-rey-paradise-ep-review.html | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128072845/http://www.digitalspy.com:80/music/albumreviews/a437881/lana-del-rey-paradise-ep-review.html | archivedate=November 28, 2012 | urlstatus=dead | accessdate=June 22, 2023}}</ref> Noticing how the other tracks on ''[[Paradise (EP)|Paradise]]'' sound rhythmically similar, ''Slant'' magazine said: "Cola" is the opposite, pushing Del Rey's pop-art take on signifier-addled femme fatality too far into the realm of cheekiness, but also shattering a persona that already exists inside a hall of mirrors."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Review: Lana Del Rey, Paradise |last=Cataldo |first=Jesse |work=Slant Magazine |date=November 12, 2012 |accessdate=June 22, 2023 |url= https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/lana-del-rey-paradise/}}</ref>
⚫
|content=<poem>
  
  +
⚫
With music strong I come,
 
  +
==Live performances==
⚫
With my cornets and my drums.
  
  +
Del Rey performed the song live for the first time on the first date of the [[Paradise Tour]] on April 3, 2013, in Amnéville, France, as the first song in the setlist. "Cola" served as the opening song for the duration of the tour through 2013 to 2014, with the exception of the last six shows from October 6 to 18, 2014, where she performed "[[Cruel World (song)|Cruel World]]" as the opening song instead. The song has since been included as part of the setlist for the 2015 [[Endless Summer Tour]] and the 2016 [[Festival Tour]]. When Del Rey performed the song live, she often alters the original lyrics by singing a repetition of: "We can work it out, work it real fine", or a close variation of that, to end the performance.
⚫
I play not marches for accepted victors only,
  
  +
⚫
I play great marches for conquered and slain persons.
  
  +
===Controversy and retirement===
⚫
Have you heard that it was good the gain the day?
  
  +
During October 2017, film executive Harvey Weinstein was fired from his production company, The Weinstein Company, following numerous reports of sexual abuse from women in the film industry. Media brought Del Rey into the controversy through speculation that Weinstein was subject of the song "Cola", citing the line "Harvey’s in the sky with diamonds and he’s making me crazy". In an interview for MTV which was published on October 31, 2017, Del Rey stated that she would retire from performing the song live in response to the controversy. Regarding the track, Del Rey explained that the song was not directly written about Weinstein, but was written about a character based on both him and Harry Winston, whom she envisioned as a "benevolent diamond bestowing upon starlets visual". She further commented that, since learning about Weinstein's crimes, she finds the song sad and uncomfortable, and would no longer include it in any of her performances.<ref name="MTV">{{Cite web |title=Lana Del Rey Talks Next Music Video & Tour w/ Kali Uchis & Jhené Aiko |author=MTV News |work=YouTube |date=October 31, 2017 |accessdate=June 22, 2023 |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTUk2AOuZhM&t=1s}}</ref>
⚫
I also say it is good to fall,
  
  +
⚫
Battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won.
  
  +
In an "All About Me" interview with ''[[Harper's Bazaar (magazine)|Harper's BAZAAR]]'', Del Rey was prompted to recall the opening song of her [[2014/June#June 28|June 2014]] Glastonbury debut show as part of the Paradise Tour, to which she eventually guessed "Cola" correctly. She would further refer to the song, or perhaps herself for writing the song, as "a nuisance to society".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Harper's BAZAAR|url=https://youtu.be/pg93p2B5QSs?si=Qyk9lDP5WWyyr22O|title=Lana Del Rey Reveals Taylor Swift 'Snow On The Beach' Collab Story {{!}} All About Me {{!}} Harper's BAZAAR|work=YouTube|date=November 21, 2023|accessdate=February 25, 2024}}</ref>
⚫
I beat and pound for the dead,
  
  +
⚫
I blow through my embouchures my loudest and gayest for them.
  
  ⚫
==Cross-references==
⚫
</poem>
  
  +
*The live intro contains references to "[[Cruel World (song)|Cruel World]]" and "[[Let the Light In (song)|Let the Light In]]".
⚫
}}
  
  +
*Cola is mentioned in numerous of Del Rey's songs, such as "[[Us Against the World (song)|Us Against the World]]", "[[Serial Killer (song)|Serial Killer]]", "[[Florida Kilos (song)|Florida Kilos]]", "[[Coca Colla (song)|Coca Colla]]", "[[Coca Cola (song)|Coca Cola]]", "[[I Learned How to Make Love from the Movies (song)|I Learned How to Make Love from the Movies]]", and others.
  +
*Cherry pies are mentioned in "[[Betty Boop Boop (song)|Betty Boop Boop]]", among other songs.
  +
*"Harvey's in the sky with diamonds" is a similar lyric to "Lucy's in the sky with ice" from "[[Television Heaven (song)|Television Heaven"]]. Both referenced from "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" which is a song by The Beatles.
  +
*A "pretty baby" is mentioned in "[[Florida Kilos (song)|Florida Kilos]]", "[[For K, Pt. 2 (song)|For K, Pt. 2]]" and the [[Pretty Baby (song)|song of the same name]].
  +
*Vanilla ice cream is also mentioned in both "[[Dynamite (song)|Dynamite"]] and "[[Paradise (song)|Paradise]]".
  +
*Del Rey sings about decorating her neck with jewelry in "[[Raise Me Up (Mississippi South) (song)|Raise Me Up (Mississippi South)]]".
  +
*Del Rey also references her dad in "[[Is This Happiness (song)|Is This Happiness]]", "[[Ride (song)|Ride]]", "[[Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman like Me to Have – but I Have It (song)|Hope Is A Dangerous Thing For A Woman Like Me to Have — But I Have It]]" and "[[Black Bathing Suit (song)|Black Bathing Suit]]".
  +
*The phrase "come on" is also used in "[[Wolf T-Shirt (song)|Wolf T-Shirt]]", "[[Be My Daddy (song)|Be My Daddy]]", "[[Put Me in a Movie (song)|Put Me in a Movie]]", "[[Heroin (song)|Heroin]]" and "[[For K, Pt. 2 (song)|For K, Pt. 2]]".
  +
*Reference to "[[Ride (song)|Ride]]" and "[[Pretty Baby (song)|Pretty Baby]]".
  +
*Skid Row is a neighborhood in L.A. known for being dangerous. Her wearing diamonds while being there might be used either ironically or metaphorically.
  +
  +
==Official versions==
  +
*Album version — 4:20
  +
**Instrumental version — 4:19
  +
*Clean version — 4:20
  +
*"Pussy" demo version — Unknown
  +
**Snippet — 0:25
  +
*Version with intro monologue — 4:49
  +
*Paradise Tour version — 6:42
   
 
==Lyrics==
  
==Lyrics==
  +
===Album version===
⚫
{{Scroll box
  
−
|content=<poem>
 +
{{Scroll box|content=<poem>
−
My pussy taste like Pepsi-Cola,
 +
My pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola
−
My eyes are wide like cherry pies.
 +
My eyes are wide like cherry pies
 
I gots a taste for men who're older
  
I gots a taste for men who're older
−
It's always been, so it's no surprise.
 +
It's always been, so it's no surprise
  +
−
 
−
Harvey's in the sky with diamonds and he's making me crazy
+
Harvey's in the sky with diamonds and he's making me crazy
 
(I come alive, alive)
  
(I come alive, alive)
−
All he wants to do is party with his pretty baby.
 +
All he wants to do is party with his pretty baby
  +
−
 
 
Come on, baby, let's ride
  
Come on, baby, let's ride
−
We can escape to the great sunshine.
 +
We can escape to the great sunshine
 
I know your wife, and she wouldn't mind
  
I know your wife, and she wouldn't mind
−
We made it out to the other side [3x]
 +
We made it out to the other side
  +
We made it out to the other side
  +
We made it out to the other side
  +
  ⚫
(Come on, come on
 
Come on, come on
  
Come on, come on
−
Come on, come on
 +
Come on, baby
  +
Woah, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
⚫
Come on, baby.
  
  +
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, yeah)
−
 
  +
 
I fall asleep in an American flag
  
I fall asleep in an American flag
−
I wear my diamonds on skid row
 +
I wear my diamonds on Skid Row
 
I pledge allegiance to my dad
  
I pledge allegiance to my dad
 
For teaching me everything he knows
  
For teaching me everything he knows
  +
−
 
−
Harvey's in the sky with diamonds and he's making me crazy (I come alive, alive))
 +
Harvey's in the sky with diamonds and he's making me crazy
  +
(I come alive, alive)
 
All he wants to do is party with his pretty baby
  
All he wants to do is party with his pretty baby
  +
−
 
−
Come on, baby, let's ride,
 +
Come on, baby, let's ride
−
We can escape to the great sunshine.
 +
We can escape to the great sunshine
 
I know your wife, and she wouldn't mind
  
I know your wife, and she wouldn't mind
−
We made it out to the other side [3x]
 +
We made it out to the other side
  +
We made it out to the other side
−
 
  +
We made it out to the other side
⚫
Drugs suck it up
  
  +
−
Like vanilla icies
  
  ⚫
Drugs, suck it up like vanilla icys
−
Don’t treat me rough,
  
−
Treat me really niceys
 +
Don't treat me rough, treat me really niceys
−
Decorate my neck
 +
Decorate my neck, diamantes ices
−
Diamantes ices
  
 
Why, come on, come on
  
Why, come on, come on
−
Ooh, ooh, ooh,
 +
Ooh, ooh, ooh
 
Ooh, yeah
  
Ooh, yeah
  +
−
 
−
Come on baby, let’s ride
 +
Come on, baby, let's ride
 
We can escape to the great sunshine
  
We can escape to the great sunshine
−
I know your wife, and she wouldn’t mind
 +
I know your wife, and she wouldn't mind
 
We made it out to the other side
  
We made it out to the other side
  +
−
 
−
Come on baby, let’s ride
 +
Come on, baby, let's ride
 
We can escape to the great sunshine
  
We can escape to the great sunshine
 
We made it out to the other side
  
We made it out to the other side
 
We made it out to the other side
  
We made it out to the other side
  +
−
 
 
Come on, come on
  
Come on, come on
 
Come on, baby
  
Come on, baby
 
Come on, come on
  
Come on, come on
 
Come on, baby
  
Come on, baby
  +
−
 
−
Whoa ah
 +
Whoa-ah
−
My pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola
 +
(My pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola)
−
Oh... ah
 +
Oh, ah
−
My pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola
 +
(My pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola)
  +
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, yeah
−
Oh....
  
−
My pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola
 +
(My pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola)
−
Oh... whoa...yeah
+
Ooh, whoa, yeah
 
</poem>
  
</poem>
 
}}
  
}}
  +
  +
==="Pussy" demo version===
  ⚫
{{Scroll box|content=<poem>
  +
'''[Snippet]:'''
  +
My pussy taste like Pepsi-Cola
  +
My baby sips every cherry sunrise
  +
I got him feeling like a holy roller
  +
Down on the floor, praising me all night
  ⚫
</poem>
  ⚫
}}
  +
  ⚫
===Monologue===
  ⚫
Similar to the style of the monologue used in the introduction of the "[[Ride (song)|Ride]]" music video, a monologue was recorded using the introduction of the "Cola" instrumental. The recording was later used in a promotional video used to accompany the [[2013/April|April, 2013]], edition of ''L'Officiel'' Paris, a French fashion magazine which features Del Rey as "Rosalita", Mexico's movie star queen. The monologue is a reading of Walt Whitman's poem "Song of Myself".
  +
  ⚫
In addition to being used in the video for ''L'Officiel'', it was also believed by fans that the monologue would be featured in a music video for "Cola", but no official video was ever announced or released.
  +
  +
====Lyrics====
  ⚫
{{Scroll box
  ⚫
|content=<poem>
  ⚫
With music strong I come,
  ⚫
With my cornets and my drums.
  ⚫
I play not marches for accepted victors only,
  ⚫
I play great marches for conquered and slain persons.
  ⚫
Have you heard that it was good the gain the day?
  ⚫
I also say it is good to fall,
  ⚫
Battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won.
  ⚫
I beat and pound for the dead,
  ⚫
I blow through my embouchures my loudest and gayest for them.
  +
</poem>
  ⚫
}}
  +
  +
===Live intro===
  +
At many of Del Rey's 2014 performances, an intro would be played before Del Rey performed "Cola". Since "Cola" was the first song to be played at most of her 2014 concerts, the piece served as an introduction to the concert and played before Del Rey walked on stage. It features a similar instrumental to "Cola" and different lyrics. Some fans refer to it as "Cruel World Intro" (not to be confused with "[[Cruel World (song)|Cruel World]]").
  +
  +
====Lyrics====
  +
{{Scroll box|content = <poem>
  +
Ooh
  +
Ooh
  +
Ooh
  +
  +
Let the light in
  +
  +
Let the light shine in
  +
It's a cruel world
  +
</poem>}}
  +
* Note: these lyrics refer to the version that was played on [[2014/June#June 28|June 28, 2014]], at Glastonbury.
   
 
==Credits==
  
==Credits==
−
'''Personnel'''
 +
;'''Personnel'''
  +
*[[Lana Del Rey]] — vocals, songwriting
−
*Strings, Electric guitar, Glockenspiel Piano & Synthesiser — Patrick Warren
  
  +
*[[Rick Nowels]] — songwriting, production, keyboards, Juno bass, acoustic guitar, drums
−
*Acoustic guitar, Juno bass & Keyboards — Rick Nowels
  
  +
*[[Devrim Karaoğlu|DK]] — co-production
−
*Slide guitar — Tim Pierce
  
  +
*[[Kieron Menzies]] — recording, drum programming, mixing
−
*Drums — Rick Nowels, Devrim Karaoglu
  
  +
*Chris Garcia & Jordan Stilwell — additional recording
−
*Drum programming & Recording — Kieron Menzies
  
  +
*[[Patrick Warren]] — strings, glockenspiel, brass, organ, piano, synthesizer
−
*Additional recording — Chris Garcia and Jordan Stilwell
  
−
*Mixing — Kieron Menzies
 +
*Tim Pierce — slide guitar
  +
*Devrim Karaoğlu — drums
−
*Mastering engineer — John Davis for Metropolis Mastering (London)
  
  +
*John Davis — mastering
  +
;'''Technical'''
  +
*Published by EMI / R-Rated Music
  +
*Administered by EMI April Music Inc. (ASCAP)
  +
*Recorded at The Green Building, Santa Monica, United States
  +
*Mastered at Metropolis Mastering, London, United Kingdom
  +
  +
==Charts==
  +
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
  +
! scope="col" | Chart (2012)
  +
! scope="col" | Peak<br />position
  +
|-
  +
{{single chart|France|71|rowheader=true|artist=Lana Del Rey|song=Cola}}
  +
|-
  +
!Ireland (Irish Singles Chart)<ref>{{cite web | title=>> IRMA << Irish Charts - Singles, Albums & Compilations >> | work=irma.ie | url=http://www.irma.ie/aucharts.asp | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20121122132947/http://www.irma.ie/aucharts.asp | archivedate=November 22, 2012 | urlstatus=unfit | accessdate=June 23, 2023}}</ref>
  +
|99
  +
|-
  +
!UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/121124cluk.txt</ref>
  +
|120
  +
|-
  +
{{single chart|Billboardrocksongs|22|rowheader=true|artist=Lana Del Rey|song=Cola}}
  +
|}
   
 
==References==
  
==References==
 
{{Reflist}}
  
{{Reflist}}
  +
===Notes===
  +
{{Reflist|group=S}}
  +
  +
{{Navbox album Paradise}}
 
[[Category:Paradise songs]]
  
[[Category:Paradise songs]]
−
[[Category:Paradise singles]]
  
 
[[Category:Songs]]
  
[[Category:Songs]]
−
[[Category:Singles]]
 +
[[Category:Released songs]]
 
[[Category:Paradise Tour songs]]
  
[[Category:Paradise Tour songs]]
  +
[[Category:Endless Summer Tour songs]]
  +
[[Category:Festival Tour (2016) songs]]
  +
[[Category:Pages with speculation]]

Latest revision as of 06:41, 25 February 2024

This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).

"Cola" (also known as "My Pussy Tastes Like Pepsi Cola"[1] and registered as "Pussy") is a song by Lana Del Rey off her third studio EP and third major-label release, Paradise. The track was co-written with Rick Nowels, who also produced the track.

Background[]

Del Rey revealed in an interview on November 13, 2012, with KIIS FM Radio that the song would be released as the second single off of Paradise, but no further details or release dates were announced since and the release was scrapped. The single's scrapped artwork leaked on November 10, 2020.[S 1][dead link] The song's official instrumental leaked on November 17, 2018. The instrumental leaked in lossless format on August 9, 2023.

A snippet of a demo version of the track titled “Pussy” leaked on April 4, 2023. An unleaked laptop demo is also speculated to exist.[S 2]

Use in media[]

The song was used in an episode of Italian agricultural program Linea Verde.[2]

Critical reception[]

"Cola" received polarized reviews. The track was described as containing "fresh, is-she-serious? lyrics" in response to the controversial opening line - "my pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola".[3] Hindustan Times criticized the song snippet, saying it proved she was running out of ideas and that the song sounded similar to the other album tracks.[4] Robert Copsey of Digital Spy noted that the hooks on "Cola" were polished, but did not compromise Del Rey's bold image.[5] Noticing how the other tracks on Paradise sound rhythmically similar, Slant magazine said: "Cola" is the opposite, pushing Del Rey's pop-art take on signifier-addled femme fatality too far into the realm of cheekiness, but also shattering a persona that already exists inside a hall of mirrors."[6]

Live performances[]

Del Rey performed the song live for the first time on the first date of the Paradise Tour on April 3, 2013, in Amnéville, France, as the first song in the setlist. "Cola" served as the opening song for the duration of the tour through 2013 to 2014, with the exception of the last six shows from October 6 to 18, 2014, where she performed "Cruel World" as the opening song instead. The song has since been included as part of the setlist for the 2015 Endless Summer Tour and the 2016 Festival Tour. When Del Rey performed the song live, she often alters the original lyrics by singing a repetition of: "We can work it out, work it real fine", or a close variation of that, to end the performance.

Controversy and retirement[]

During October 2017, film executive Harvey Weinstein was fired from his production company, The Weinstein Company, following numerous reports of sexual abuse from women in the film industry. Media brought Del Rey into the controversy through speculation that Weinstein was subject of the song "Cola", citing the line "Harvey’s in the sky with diamonds and he’s making me crazy". In an interview for MTV which was published on October 31, 2017, Del Rey stated that she would retire from performing the song live in response to the controversy. Regarding the track, Del Rey explained that the song was not directly written about Weinstein, but was written about a character based on both him and Harry Winston, whom she envisioned as a "benevolent diamond bestowing upon starlets visual". She further commented that, since learning about Weinstein's crimes, she finds the song sad and uncomfortable, and would no longer include it in any of her performances.[7]

In an "All About Me" interview with Harper's BAZAAR, Del Rey was prompted to recall the opening song of her June 2014 Glastonbury debut show as part of the Paradise Tour, to which she eventually guessed "Cola" correctly. She would further refer to the song, or perhaps herself for writing the song, as "a nuisance to society".[8]

Cross-references[]

Official versions[]

  • Album version — 4:20
    • Instrumental version — 4:19
  • Clean version — 4:20
  • "Pussy" demo version — Unknown
    • Snippet — 0:25
  • Version with intro monologue — 4:49
  • Paradise Tour version — 6:42

Lyrics[]

Album version[]

My pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola
My eyes are wide like cherry pies
I gots a taste for men who're older
It's always been, so it's no surprise

Harvey's in the sky with diamonds and he's making me crazy
(I come alive, alive)
All he wants to do is party with his pretty baby

Come on, baby, let's ride
We can escape to the great sunshine
I know your wife, and she wouldn't mind
We made it out to the other side
We made it out to the other side
We made it out to the other side

(Come on, come on
Come on, come on
Come on, baby
Woah, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, yeah)

I fall asleep in an American flag
I wear my diamonds on Skid Row
I pledge allegiance to my dad
For teaching me everything he knows

Harvey's in the sky with diamonds and he's making me crazy
(I come alive, alive)
All he wants to do is party with his pretty baby

Come on, baby, let's ride
We can escape to the great sunshine
I know your wife, and she wouldn't mind
We made it out to the other side
We made it out to the other side
We made it out to the other side

Drugs, suck it up like vanilla icys
Don't treat me rough, treat me really niceys
Decorate my neck, diamantes ices
Why, come on, come on
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, yeah

Come on, baby, let's ride
We can escape to the great sunshine
I know your wife, and she wouldn't mind
We made it out to the other side

Come on, baby, let's ride
We can escape to the great sunshine
We made it out to the other side
We made it out to the other side

Come on, come on
Come on, baby
Come on, come on
Come on, baby

Whoa-ah
(My pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola)
Oh, ah
(My pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, yeah
(My pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola)
Ooh, whoa, yeah

"Pussy" demo version[]

[Snippet]:
My pussy taste like Pepsi-Cola
My baby sips every cherry sunrise
I got him feeling like a holy roller
Down on the floor, praising me all night

Monologue[]

Similar to the style of the monologue used in the introduction of the "Ride" music video, a monologue was recorded using the introduction of the "Cola" instrumental. The recording was later used in a promotional video used to accompany the April, 2013, edition of L'Officiel Paris, a French fashion magazine which features Del Rey as "Rosalita", Mexico's movie star queen. The monologue is a reading of Walt Whitman's poem "Song of Myself".

In addition to being used in the video for L'Officiel, it was also believed by fans that the monologue would be featured in a music video for "Cola", but no official video was ever announced or released.

Lyrics[]

With music strong I come,
With my cornets and my drums.
I play not marches for accepted victors only,
I play great marches for conquered and slain persons.
Have you heard that it was good the gain the day?
I also say it is good to fall,
Battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won.
I beat and pound for the dead,
I blow through my embouchures my loudest and gayest for them.

Live intro[]

At many of Del Rey's 2014 performances, an intro would be played before Del Rey performed "Cola". Since "Cola" was the first song to be played at most of her 2014 concerts, the piece served as an introduction to the concert and played before Del Rey walked on stage. It features a similar instrumental to "Cola" and different lyrics. Some fans refer to it as "Cruel World Intro" (not to be confused with "Cruel World").

Lyrics[]

Ooh
Ooh
Ooh

Let the light in

Let the light shine in
It's a cruel world

  • Note: these lyrics refer to the version that was played on June 28, 2014, at Glastonbury.

Credits[]

Personnel
  • Lana Del Rey — vocals, songwriting
  • Rick Nowels — songwriting, production, keyboards, Juno bass, acoustic guitar, drums
  • DK — co-production
  • Kieron Menzies — recording, drum programming, mixing
  • Chris Garcia & Jordan Stilwell — additional recording
  • Patrick Warren — strings, glockenspiel, brass, organ, piano, synthesizer
  • Tim Pierce — slide guitar
  • Devrim Karaoğlu — drums
  • John Davis — mastering
Technical
  • Published by EMI / R-Rated Music
  • Administered by EMI April Music Inc. (ASCAP)
  • Recorded at The Green Building, Santa Monica, United States
  • Mastered at Metropolis Mastering, London, United Kingdom

Charts[]

Chart (2012) Peak
position
France (SNEP)[9] 71
Ireland (Irish Singles Chart)[10] 99
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[11] 120
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[12] 22

References[]

  1. ↑ APRA|AMCOS title search lists "My Pussy Tastes Like Pepsi Cola" as an alias of "Cola" (APRA ID: GW43398940)
  2. ↑ Damiano (January 16, 2024). Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2LRNs6IKvy/. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  3. ↑ Rosen, Genevieve (September 11, 2012). "Lana Del Rey releases afterthought". Stuff. http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/7725851/Lana-Del-Rey-releases-afterthought. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Lana Del Rey floats latest album sampler". Hindustan Times. September 25, 2012. Archived from the original on November 14, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131114103746/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Music/Lana-Del-Rey-floats-latest-album-sampler/Article1-935533.aspx. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Lana Del Rey: 'Paradise' - EP review". Digital Spy. November 28, 2012. Archived from the original on November 28, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121128072845/http://www.digitalspy.com:80/music/albumreviews/a437881/lana-del-rey-paradise-ep-review.html. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  6. ↑ Cataldo, Jesse (November 12, 2012). "Review: Lana Del Rey, Paradise". Slant Magazine. https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/lana-del-rey-paradise/. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  7. ↑ MTV News (October 31, 2017). "Lana Del Rey Talks Next Music Video & Tour w/ Kali Uchis & Jhené Aiko". YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTUk2AOuZhM&t=1s. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  8. ↑ Harper's BAZAAR (November 21, 2023). "Lana Del Rey Reveals Taylor Swift 'Snow On The Beach' Collab Story | All About Me | Harper's BAZAAR". YouTube. https://youtu.be/pg93p2B5QSs?si=Qyk9lDP5WWyyr22O. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  9. ↑ "Lana Del Rey – Cola" (in French). Les classement single.
  10. ↑ ">> IRMA << Irish Charts - Singles, Albums & Compilations >>". irma.ie. Archived from the original on November 22, 2012. http://web.archive.org/web/20121122132947/http://www.irma.ie/aucharts.asp. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  11. ↑ http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/121124cluk.txt
  12. ↑ "Lana Del Rey Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard.

Notes[]

  1. ↑ This is speculation and should not be relied upon. It has not been confirmed by any official source, but was originally reported here and is considered widespread knowledge within the community.
  2. ↑ This is speculation and should not be relied upon. It has not been confirmed by any official source, but is considered widespread knowledge within the community.


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