Lana Del Rey has made references to various people in her songs, poems and music videos throughout her career. The following is a list of all of the people, real and fictional, Del Rey has referenced in work. Due to the quantity of released and unreleased work by Del Rey, as well as projects that are yet to be released, this list is dynamic, and may never be complete.
Biblical and mythological figures[]
Lana Del Rey and Shaun Ross as Adam and Eve in the Tropico (2013) short film.
Adam[]
Adam is a religious figure considered to be the first man ever created.
Music videos[]
- Short film Tropico (2013)
- Reference: Direct. Adam is one of the main characters of the short film. Portrayed by Shaun Ross.
A statue of Athena.
Athena[]
According to Greek mythology, Athena is the Goddess of Wisdom and also the Goddess of War.
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 05. "Salamander"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Here Zeus sent Athena and the rest of the immortals play"
A statue of Aphrodite.
Aphrodite[]
According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love and also the Goddess of Beauty.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 09. "Fingertips"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Call me Aphrodite, as they bow down to me"
The physical incarnation of the Devil as a snake, as appears in the Tropico (2013) short film.
Devil[]
According to Christianity, the Devil is considered to the representation of evil. A once beautiful and perfect angel who embraced the darkness and turned evil.
Songs[]
Songs from soundtracks:
- "Don't Call Me Angel" from Charlie's Angels (2019)
- Reference: Direct. Although in the song the term is used more as an adjective than a figure.
- Line: "I fell from heaven, now I'm living like a devil"
Unreleased songs:
- "Kinda Outta Luck" (Demo)
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: "I gotta get you back, 'cause I gotta live, devil"
Music videos[]
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Direct. The Devil is portrayed in the shape of a snake.
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 12. "My Bedroom is a Sacred Place Now - There Are Children at the Foot of my Bed"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "That the Devil is a real devil"
Lana Del Rey as Eve in the Tropico (2013) short film.
Eve[]
Eve is a biblical figure considered to be the first woman ever created.
Music videos[]
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Direct. Eve is one of the main characters of the short film. Portrayed by Del Rey herself.
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 12. "My Bedroom is a Sacred Place Now - There Are Children at the Foot of my Bed"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I think about the curse bestowed upon Eve, that fateful eve"
God (Christian God)[]
This category only lists the Christian God as a figure, not as an expressions (i.e. 'Oh my God').
Songs[]
Songs from Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant (2010):
- 07. "Mermaid Motel"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "God bless the universe, God bless the ocean"
- Line: "God bless you and God bless me"
- 09. "Pawn Shop Blues"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "But I'd rather know what God knows"
Songs from Born to Die (2012):
- 09. "Carmen"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "She laughs like God, her mind's like a diamond"
- 13. "Without You"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I even think I found God"
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 06. "Gods & Monsters"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Me and God, we don’t get along, so now I sing"
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 08. "Money Power Glory"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You talk lots about God, freedom comes from the call"
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 04. "God Knows I Tried"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: The chorus of the song mentions God multiple times.
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 10. "God Bless America – And All the Beautiful Women In It"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "God bless America and all the beautiful women in it"
- Line: "God bless America and all the beautiful people in it"
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 02. "Chemtrails Over the Country Club"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "There's nothing wrong, contemplating God under the chemtrails over the country club"
- 03. "Tulsa Jesus Freak"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "And only God knows"
- 07. "Not All Who Wander Are Lost"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You talk to God like I do"
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 02. "Blue Banisters"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Spring I skip, God knows"
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023)
- 12. "Grandfather Please Stand on the Shoulders of My Father While He’s Deep-Sea Fishing"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "God, if you'rе near me, send mе three white butterflies"
Songs from other artists featuring Lana Del Rey:
- "God Save Our Young Blood" (Børns featuring Lana Del Rey)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "God save our young blood"
Unreleased songs:
- "Life Is Beautiful"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "God wouldn’t do that"
- Line: "God wouldn’t do that"
- "Jesus Is My Boyfriend"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "My God thinks I’m smashing"
- Line: "My God takes me dashing 'cross the party line"
- Line: "My God treats me special"
- "Wild One"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Freedom's my love, God is my king"
- Line: "God bless America"
- Line: "God bless the world at large"
- "Wolf T-Shirt"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I said to God: Make this man take away the hurt"
- Line: "There's a reason God made you so beautiful"
Music videos[]
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Direct. Although Del Rey uses the figure of John Wayne as God.
- Line (Monologue): "Thank you God"
- Line (Monologue): "And so, from being created in his likeness, to being banished for wanting to be too much like Him, we were cast out"
Gods (Various)[]
This category refers to mentions or reference to multiple gods.
Songs[]
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 06. "Gods & Monsters"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "In the land of gods and monsters"
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 12. "Nectar of the Gods"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "What cruel world is this, nectar of the gods"
- Line: "Californ- I-A, homeland of the gods"
Jesus in the Tropico (2013) short film. Portrayed by Kevin Lee Light.
Jesus (or Jesus Christ)[]
Jesus Christ is the son of God.
Songs[]
Songs from Sirens (2006):
- 13. "Move"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Jesus was a dying man. If he can't do it, no one can"
Songs from Born to Die (2012):
- 05. "Diet Mountain Dew"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Let's take Jesus off the dashboard. Got enough on his mind"
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 04. "Body Electric"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Jesus is my bestest friend"
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 02. "Mariners Apartment Complex"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "So, kiss the sky and whisper to Jesus"
- Line: "I fucked up, I know that but Jesus"
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 03. "Tulsa Jesus Freak"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You should stay real close to Jesus"
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 14. "Cherry Blossom"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Swing it high like Jesus, wild and free"
Unreleased songs:
- "I Talk to Jesus"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Showed me what Jesus said"
- Line: "I want Jesus to take me out this life, baby"
- Line: "And I talk to Jesus and ask him if he'll think of saving me"
- "Jesus is My Boyfriend"
- Reference: Direct. The whole song is about him, listed below are the lines mentioning his name.
- Line: "He's Jesus Christ"
- Line: "Jesus is my boyfriend"
- "Trash Magic" (Demo)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "All that's real to me is Marilyn and Jesus"
- Line: "All that's real to me is trailer parks and Jesus"
- Line: "All that's real to me is ice cream trucks and Jesus"
- Line: "Halloween and Jesus, fireworks and strangers, honey"
Music videos[]
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Direct. Jesus is one of the characters on the film. Portrayed by Kevin Lee Light.
Lord[]
Lord is a general title denoting deference applied to a male person of authority, religious or political, or a deity. In the following references, Del Rey uses the term to refer to either God or Jesus Christ.
Songs[]
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 14. "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood"
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 10. "God Bless America – And All the Beautiful Women In It"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Even when I walk, I walk with the Lord"
- Line: "Even when I talk, I talk with the Lord's by my side"
Songs from soundtracks:
- "Young and Beautiful" from The Great Gatsby (2013)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Dear Lord, when I get to Heaven"
Lana Del Rey as Mary in the Tropico (2013) short film.
Mary[]
According to the gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament, Mary was a first-century Jewish woman of Nazareth, the wife of Joseph and the virgin mother of Jesus.
Songs[]
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 04. "Body Electric"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Mary prays the rosary for my broken mind"
- Line: "Mary swaying softly to her heart's delight"
Unreleased songs:
- "Mary (Scared of Me)"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Mary scared of me"
Music videos[]
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Direct. Mary is one of the characters in the film. Portrayed by Del Rey herself.
Moses with the Tables of the Law (1624), by Guido Reni (Galleria Borghese)
Moses[]
Moses is considered the most important prophet in Judaism. He wrote the book of Genesis in the Bible, which is cited by Del Rey below.
Songs[]
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 04. "God Knows I Tried"
- Reference: Indirect. The song refers to a verse from the book of Genesis from the Bible ("And God said; Let there be light". Then there was light", Genesis 1:3). Written by Moses.
- Line: "Let there be light".
Music videos[]
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Indirect. The monologue that opens the short film, cites the biblical scriptures of Genesis 1:2-4, written by Moses. Del Rey uses the figure of John Wayne as God.
- Line (Monologue): "And the spirit of John moved upon the face of the waters, and John said: "Let there be light." And there was light And John saw that it was good."
King Solomon, the King of Israel (1500) by Pedro Berruguete.
Solomon[]
Solomon was, according to the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament, a fabulously wealthy and wise king of the United Kingdom of Israel who succeeded his father, David. Writer of the book of Ecclesiastes.
Songs[]
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 04. "God Knows I Tried"
- Reference: Indirect. The song refers to a verse from the book of Ecclesiastes from the Bible, written by Solomon ("The sun also rises and the sun goes down", Ecclesiastes 1:5) The line "The sun also rises" was later referenced by Ernest Hemingway on his novel of the same name. This reference also appears on this page category under the name 'Literature'.
- Line: "The sun also rises"
The Chariot of Zeus, from an 1879 Stories from the Greek Tragedians by Alfred Church.
Zeus[]
Zeus is the sky and thunder god in ancient Greek religion, who rules as king of the gods of Mount Olympus.
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 05. "Salamander"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Where Zeus sent Athena and the rest of the immortals play"
Family and Relatives[]
Charlie Grant
Charlie Grant (Brother)[]
Charles "Charlie" Hill-Grant is the younger brother of American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey and photographer Chuck Grant, and the son of Patricia Hill-Grant and Robert Grant.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023)
- 09. "Fingertips"
- Reference: Direct and indirect.
- Line: "Charlie, stop smoking"
- Line: "Father, sister, brother?"
Unreleased songs:
- "For Charlie"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: Unknown. The song remains unleaked.
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 14. "Bare Feet On Linoleum"
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: "The secrets you keep will keep you in deep, like father and Amy and brother"
Chuck Grant
Chuck Grant (Sister)[]
Caroline "Chuck" Grant is a professional photographer based in Los Angeles and New York City. She is the younger sister of American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Daughter of Patricia Hill-Grant and Robert Grant.
Songs[]
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 02. "Chemtrails Over the Country Club"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Me and my sister, just playing it cool"
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 02. "Blue Banisters"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Chuck is making birthday cake"
- 15. "Sweet Carolina"
- Reference: Direct. The whole song is about Chuck.
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023)
- 08. "Kintsugi"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Chucky was there for three out of three"
- 09. "Fingertips"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Caroline, will you be with me?"
- Line: "Caroline, what kind of mother was she to say I'd end up in institutions?"
- Line: "Father, sister, brother?"
Unreleased songs:
- "Motel 6"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "In the spotlight, we see Jim and Chuck"
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 12. "My Bedroom is a Sacred Place Now - There Are Children at the Foot of my Bed"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "If you asked my sister to describe the first thing she thinks of when she thinks of me she would say: campfire smoke"
Phoenix Pickens-Grant
Phoenix Pickens-Grant[]
Phoenix Pickens-Grant is Lana Del Rey's niece and Chuck Grant's daughter.
Songs[]
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 15. "Sweet Carolina"
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: "You name your babe Lilac Heaven"
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023)
- 09. "Fingertips"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Will the baby be alright?"
Madeleine McClean-Hill (Grandmother)[]
Madeleine McClean-Hill is the mother of Patricia Hill-Grant and Lana Del Rey's grandmother.
Songs[]
Songs from Lana Del Ray AKA Lizzy Grant (2010):
- 04. "Gramma (Blue Ribbon Sparkler Trailer Heaven)"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: The whole song mentions her grandmother.
Tattoos[]
- "M" tattoo
- Reference: Direct. The letter "M" is for Madeleine.[citation needed]
Patricia Grant
Patricia Hill-Grant (Mother)[]
Patricia Ann "Patty" Hill-Grant is the birth mother of Lana Del Rey.
Songs[]
Songs from Sirens (2006):
- 04. "My Momma"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: The whole song is about her mother.
- 12. "Aviation"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "So I'm going into aviation, yeah, mom"
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 10. "Old Money"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "My mother's glamour lives on and on"
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 05. "Black Bathing Suit"
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: "So I'm not friends with my mother, while I still love my dad"
- 11. "Wildflower Wildfire"
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: "My father never stepped in when his wife would rage at me".
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 04. "A&W"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I haven't seen my mother in a long, long time".
- 09. "Fingertips"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Caroline, what kind of mother was she to say I'd end up in institutions?"
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 01. "LA Who Am I to Love You"
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: "I never had a mother"
- 14. "Bare Feet On Linoleum"
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: "Don't take all your secrets alone to your watery grave about lovers and mother"
Music videos[]
"Ride"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line (Monologue): "My mother told me that I had a chameleon soul"
Cynthia Grant (Grandmother)[]
Cynthia Grant was the mother of Rob Grant and Lana Del Rey's grandmother.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023)
- 09. "Fingertips"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Give me a mausoleum in Rhode Island with Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and Dave"
Robert England Grant Sr. (Grandfather)[]
Robert England Grant Sr. was the father of Rob Grant and Lana Del Rey's grandfather.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023)
- 09. "Fingertips"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Give me a mausoleum in Rhode Island with Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and Dave"
Robert Grant Jr
Robert Grant Jr. (Father)[]
Robert England "Rob" Grant Jr. is the father of American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. He is known for his work as a domain developer.
Songs[]
Songs from Sirens (2006):
- 12. "Aviation"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I'm going into aviation, yeah, dad"
Songs from Born to Die (2012):
- 08. "Radio"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "That's what my father said"
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 01. "Ride"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "That's the way my father made his life an art"
- 03. "Cola"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I pledge allegiance to my dad for teaching me everything he knows"
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 10. "Old Money"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: My father's love was always strong
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 14. "Hope Is A Dangerous Thing For A Woman Like Me to Have – But I Have It"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: Calling from beyond the grave, I just wanna say, "Hi dad"
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 01. "Text Book"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I was looking for the father I wanted back"
- Line: "God I wish I was with my father"
- 05. "Black Bathing Suit"
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: "So I'm not friends with my mother, while I still love my dad"
- 11. "Wildflower Wildfire"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "My father never stepped in when his wife would rage at me"
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023)
- 08. "Kintsugi"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Daddy, I miss them"
- 09. "Fingertips"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Give me a mausoleum in Rhode Island with Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and Dave"
11. "Grandfather Please Stand on the Shoulders of My Father While He’s Deep-Sea Fishing"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Grandfather, please stand on the shoulders of my father"
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 14. "Bare Feet On Linoleum"
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: "The secrets you keep will keep you in deep, like father and Amy and brother"
Poems from Behind the Iron Gates - Insights from an Institution (TBD):
- "My Father Told Me If I Went Slowly, I'd Be Safe - But He Was Wrong"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: TBD.
David Grant Sr. (Uncle)[]
David Grant Sr. was a parental uncle of Lana Del Rey.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023)
- 09. "Fingertips"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Give me a mausoleum in Rhode Island with Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and Dave"
Tex and Mex are featured on the Blue Banisters album cover.
Tex and Mex (Dogs)[]
Tex and Mex are two German shepherds dogs owned by Lana Del Rey. They appear on the cover of Blue Banisters (2021), and in the music video of the title track.
Songs[]
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 02. "Blue Banisters"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Tex and Mex are in the Bay"
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 13. "Paradise Is Very Fragile"
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: "The horses and German shepherds were more important"
Fictional Characters[]
Adrian Pennino is portrayed by actress Talia Shire.
Adrian Pennino (From the Movie 'Rocky')[]
Adriana 'Adrian' Pennino is a fictional character from the 1976 movie Rocky. Portrayed by actress Talia Shire.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Live or Die"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Baby, you Sylvester Stallone and I could be your Adrian".
Theatrical release poster of 'Bugsy Malone' by Charles Moll
Bugsy Malone (From the movie 'Bugsy Malone')[]
Bugsy Malone is the main character of the 1976 gangster musical comedy film of the same name.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Dum Dum"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I belong to a bygone era, like the Bugsy Malone"
- "Live or Die"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: " Baby, you my Bugsy Malone and I'm your suicide blonde"
Steel engraving (993 × 78 mm), for the frontispiece of the 1831 revised edition of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, published by Colburn and Bentley, London
Frankenstein's monster[]
Frankenstein's monster is a fictional character who first appeared in Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023)
- 11. "Grandfather Please Stand on the Shoulders of My Father While He’s Deep-Sea Fishing"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Some big men behind the scenes / Sewing Frankenstein black dreams into my songs"
Jessica Rabbit.
Jessica Rabbit (From the movie 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?')[]
Jessica Rabbit is a fictional character from the 1988 Disney movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit?.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Marilyn Monroe"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Everyone knows I'm like Jessica Rabbit".
Ophelia (From 'Hamlet')[]
John William Waterhouse's painting, Ophelia (1894)
Ophelia is a character in William Shakespeare's drama Hamlet. She is a young noblewoman of Denmark, and potential wife of Prince Hamlet, who, due to Hamlet's actions, ends up in a state of madness that ultimately leads to her drowning.
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- "In the Flats of Melrose"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Not me as Ophelia"
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Al Pacino as Tony Montana in the 1983 film Scarface.
Tony Montana (From the movie 'Scarface')[]
Antonio 'Tony' Montana is a fictional character and the protagonist of the 1983 film Scarface.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Live or Die"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You can be my Tony Montana and I can be your Pfeiffer, fire"
Friends and Acquaintances[]
Del Rey and Emma Tillman.
Emma Tillman[]
Emma Elizabeth Tillman is the wife of Josh Tillman (Father John Misty), and Lana Del Rey's friend.
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 09. "Coachella – Woodstock In My Mind"
- Reference: Indirect. The song talks about that time Del Rey attended Father John Misty's performance at Coachella 2017 with Emma Tillman.
- Line: "I was at Coachella, leaning on your shoulder"
Del Rey and Jane Powers in 2010.
Jane Powers[]
Jane Powers was credited by Del Rey as her "main inspiration". Del Rey thanks her again at the end of the Ultraviolence booklet.
Songs[]
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 13. "Living Legend"
- Reference: Direct. The whole song is about her.
- Line: "And sweet baby Jane don't know a thing"
Del Rey and Jennifer Stith.
Jennifer Stith[]
Songs[]
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 02. "Blue Banisters"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Jenny handed me a beer"
- Line: "Jenny jumped into the pool"
- Line: "Jenny was smoking by the pool"
Kira[]
Kira is a woman mentioned in the poem "Thanks to the Locals". Del Rey talks about meeting her during an AA Meeting in Lake Arrowhead.
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- "Thanks to the Locals"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Only one did, Kira. 'I don't really have much advice for you' she said"
- Line: "Kira with her local area code and gratefully also her sponsor"
Nikki Lane
Nikki Lane[]
Nicole Lane Frady, also known as Nikki Lane, is an American country music singer-songwriter and artist.
Songs[]
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 02. "Blue Banisters"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "She was swimming with Nikki Lane"
- Line: "We were writing with Nikki Lane"
Violet[]
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 03. "Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "And saw Violet bent backwards over the grass"
Poems from Behind the Iron Gates - Insights from an Institution (TBD):
- "Patent Leather Do-Over"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Sylvia, Marilyn, Violet, Diana"
Literature: Authors, Writers and Poets[]
"Howl and Other Poems".
Allen Ginsberg[]
Allen Ginsberg was an American poet and writer. Often mentioned by Del Rey when asked about her inspirations.
Music videos[]
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: Del Rey cites an excerpt of Ginsberg's 1955 poem "Howl".
The first cover of "Black Beauty" by Anna Sewell.
Anna Sewell[]
Anna Sewell was an English novelist. She is known as the author of the 1877 novel "Black Beauty", her only published work,
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 12. "Black Beauty"
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: The song could be a reference to the 1877 book of the same title ("Black Beauty") by Anna Sewell.
"A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess.
Anthony Burgess[]
Anthony Burgess, was an English writer and composer.
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 02. "Ultraviolence"
- Reference: Indirect. The name of the album Ultraviolence, is a phrase coined in the classic 1962 novel "A Clockwork Orange".
- Line: "With his ultraviolence, ultraviolence"
- Line: "Give me all of that ultraviolence"
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The first edition of "The Sun Also Rises"
Ernest Hemingway[]
Ernest Hemingway was an American novelist, short-story writer, journalist, and sportsman.
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 08. "Money Power Glory"
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: The line "the sun also rises" is the name of Ernest Hemingway on his 1926 novel of the same name ('The Sun Also Rises'), which is taken from a verse of Ecclesiastes on the Bible. This reference also appears on this page category under the name 'Biblical and Mithological Figures'.
Nietzsche in Basel, Switzerland, c. 1875
Friedrich Nietzsche[]
Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher, cultural critic, composer, poet, writer, and philologist whose work has exerted a profound influence on modern intellectual history.
Songs[]
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 06. "Gods & Monsters"
- Reference: Indirect (Quote). "God is dead" is a Nietzsche quote from 1883.
- Line: "God's dead, I said baby that's alright with me".
Thompson at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in 1971.
Hunter S. Thompson[]
Hunter Stockton Thompson was an American journalist and author who founded the gonzo journalism movement.
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 15. "Is This Happiness"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You think you're Hunter S. Thompson"
An edition of the book "The Fellowship of the Ring"
J.R.R. Tolkien[]
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was an English writer, poet, philologist, and academic, best known as the author of the high fantasy works "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings".
Songs[]
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 07. "Not All Who Wander Are Lost"
- Reference: Indirect (Quote). "Not all those who wander are lost" is a line from a poem written by Tolkien titled “All That Glitters is Not Gold,” which appears in "The Fellowship of the Ring" (1954) from the "The Lord of the Rings" saga.
- Line: "Not all those who wander are lost".
John Mitchum, writer of "America, Why I Love Her".
John Mitchum[]
John Mitchum was an American actor. He composed the piece "America, Why I Love Her", which John Wayne included in his book and album of the same name.
Music videos[]
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: John Wayne cites an excerpt of Mitchum 1971 poem "Why I Love America".
Wilde in 1882.
Oscar Wilde[]
Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet and writer. Most known for his controversial best-seller "The Picture of Dorian Gray".
Songs[]
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 06. "Gods & Monsters"
- Reference: Indirect (Quote). "Life imitates art" is a line from Oscar Wilde's 1889 essay "The Decay of Lying".
- Line: "Life imitates art".
"Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost, written in 1923.
Robert Frost[]
Robert Lee Frost was an American poet. Frost is the only poet to have received four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry.
Songs[]
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 02. "Music to Watch Boys To"
- Reference: Indirect (Quote). A reference to Robert Frost’s 1923 poem, “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” which touches on the concept behind great things never truly staying in people’s lives.
- Line: "Nothing gold can stay"
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019): 03. "Venice Bitch"
- Reference: Indirect (Quote). A reference to Robert Frost’s 1923 poem, “Nothing Gold Can Stay".
- Line: "Nothing gold can stay"
Plath in July 1961, at her Chalcot Square flat in London.
Sylvia Plath[]
Sylvia Plath was an American poet, novelist, and short-story writer. She is credited with advancing the genre of confessional poetry. Often mentioned and referenced by Del Rey in her work.
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 14. "Hope Is A Dangerous Thing For A Woman Like Me to Have – But I Have It"
- Reference: Direct. The song was inspired by her, at one point it was titled "Sylvia" or "Sylvia Plath".
- Line: "24/7, Sylvia Plath"
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 14. "Bare Feet On Linoleum"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Stay on your path Sylvia Plath"
Poems from Behind the Iron Gates - Insights from an Institution (TBD):
- "Patent Leather Do-Over"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Sylvia, I knew what you meant when you talked about swimming in the ocean"
- Line: "Sylvia, Marilyn, Violet, Diana"
First US edition of the book "Four Quartets" that includes the poem "Burnt Norton" cited by Del Rey.
T.S. Eliot[]
Thomas Stearns Eliot was a poet, essayist, publisher, playwright, literary critic and editor. Del Rey chose his poem "Burnt Norton" for her fourth studio album Honeymoon.
Songs[]
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 08. "Burnt Norton (Interlude)"
- Reference: Indirect (Quote). The whole interlude is an excerpt from T.S. Elliot poem of the same name from his book "First Quartets".
Hughers in later life.
Ted Hughes[]
Ted Hughes was an English poet, translator, and children's writer. Married to writer Sylvia Plath, writer often referenced by Del Rey.
Poems[]
Poems from Behind the Iron Gates - Insights from an Institution (TBD):
- "Patent Leather Do-Over"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You see, you can't fall in love with a man like Ted"
First edition of 1955's book "Lolita".
Vladimir Nabokov[]
Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov, also known by his pen name Vladimir Sirin, was a Russian-American novelist, poet, translator, and entomologist.
Songs[]
Songs from Born to Die (2012):
- 02. "Off to the Races"
- Reference: Indirect (Quote). The lyric is a line from his book Lolita.
- Line: "Light of my life, fire of my loins"
- 14. "Lolita"
- Reference: Indirect (Quote).
- Line: The whole song is inspired by Nabokov's 1955 book of the same name.
Tattoos[]
- "Nabokov" tattoo
- Reference: Direct. Del Rey has a tattoo on her right arm that says "Nabokov", referring to Vladimir Nabokov.
Whitman in 1887.
Walt Whitman[]
Walter Whitman Jr. was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. Often referenced by Del rey in multiple occasions.
Songs[]
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 04. "Body Electric"
- Reference: Direct and Indirect (Quote).
- Line: "Whitman is my daddy"
Music videos[]
Leaves of Grass (Boston: Thayer and Eldridge, year 85 of the States, 1860) (New York Public Library).
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Indirect.
- Line: Del Rey cites an excerpt of Whitman's 1855 poem "I Sing the Body Electric" from his book titled "Leaves of Grass".
Tattoos[]
- "Whitman" tattoo
- Reference: Direct. Del Rey has a tattoo on her right arm that says "Whitman", referring to Walt Whitman.
William Ernest Henley
William Ernest Henley[]
William Ernest Henley was a British poet, writer, critic and editor, best known for his 187 poem "Invictus".
Songs[]
Songs from Lust For Life (2017):
- 02. "Lust For Life" (feat. The Weeknd)
- Reference: Indirect (Quote). The lyric is a play on a line from his poem "Invictus".
- Line: "Cause we're the masters of our own fate. We're the captains of our own souls"
Love Interests[]
Aaron Greene[]
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 09. "Fingertips
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "All I wanted to do was kiss Aaron Greene"
- Line: "Aaron ended up dead and not me"
Ben[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Ben"
- Reference: Direct. The whole song is about him, but the lines in which his name is mentioned are listed below.
- Line: "Ben's song, another try"
- Line: "Not that you deserve it right now, Ben"
Bill (Billy)[]
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 10. "The Next Best American Record"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Why the thousands of girls love the way Bill plays guitar"
Unreleased songs:
- "Driving in Cars With Boys"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Mommy's Mercedes or Billy's pick-up truck"
- "Super Movie"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I think it'd be good for you, Billy. You never wanna do nothing anymore"
- "Trash Magic"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Yes, Bill, I will, it's the day of the parade"
- "Unidentified Flying Bill"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: Bill takes me down to the beach
- Line: "Well, I don't know about those, Bill"
Elliot[]
Songs[]
Songs from From the End (2005):
- 08. "Dear Elliot"
- Reference: Direct. The song is titled after Elliot, thus presumably the whole song is about him.
Jack Donoghue
Jack Donoghue[]
Jack Donoghue is an American musician, singer, songwriter and record producer. He is a member of the bands Salem and Young Cream. Him and Del Rey were rumored to go steady sometime in 2022. Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 08. "Kintsugi"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "And then there's Donoghue"
Jim (Jimmy or J)[]
This category only lists the references to J. The songs referring to Jim Morrison and Jimmy Gnecco are listed under the category 'Music'.
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 02. "Ultraviolence"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Jim told me that"
- Line: "Jim brought me back"
- Line: "Jim raised me up"
- Line: "Jim taught me that"
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 08. "How to Disappear" (Live Version)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Jim met me down at the training yard.
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 04. "A&W"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy, ride"
- Line: "Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, get me high"
- Line: "Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high"
- Line: "Jimmy, you should switch it up, baby, light it up"
- Line: "Jimmy, if you leave the house, find me in the club"
- Line: "Jimmy, if you switch it up, you should light it up"
- Line: "Jimmy, if I lie it up, find me in the club".
Unreleased songs:
- "All Smiles"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Jimmy, let me get a better look at your face"
- Line: "A little banana split for you, Jim"
- "Earthquakes"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Shimmy, shimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy, roll"
- Line: "Jimmy, I don't give a fuck, shimmy shimmy, roll"
- Line: "Jimmy, all, all I want, give it to me, yeah, ah-ah-ah-ah"
- "Hundred Dollar Bill"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Jimmy pulls up in his blue Chevy Nova"
- Line: "J is a romantic roller-coaster"
- "Motel 6"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "In the spotlight, we see Jim and Chuck"
- "You're Gonna Love Me"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Jim, I'mma dedicate this whole album to you"
Joe[]
It is speculated to refer to Joe Schilling.
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 08. "How to Disappear" (Album Version)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Joe met me down at the training yard"
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 06. "Never to Heaven"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "That's what I was thinking this morning Joe"
- Line: "You see, Joe. It's times like this that the marine layer liftfs off the sea on the dock with out candle"
John[]
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 08. "How to Disappear"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "John met me down on the boulevard"
Josiah[]
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- "In the Flats of Melrose"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I love you Josiah"
K[]
Songs[]
Songs from Sirens (2006):
- 01. "Drive By"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "K's a friend of mine"
Songs from Lana Del Ray AKA Lizzy Grant (2010):
- 05. "For K, Pt. 2"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: K is only mentioned in the title and presumably the whole song is dedicated to him
Unreleased songs:
- "For K" (Also known as "For K, Pt. 1")
- Reference: Fans speculate whether a song with this title actually exists as a precursor to the song "For K, Pt. 2", though no song has been confirmed to be called by it.
Mike[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Wild One"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Can't be bitter when I talk about him, Mike"
- Line: "It's the middle of the winter, but in my mind it's summer, Mike"
Nick Drake[]
Songs[]
Songs from Sirens (2006):
- 03. "A Star for Nick"
- Reference: Direct. The reference is only in its title.
Ray[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lana Del Ray AKA Lizzy Grant (2010):
- 01. "Kill Kill"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Tell me about Ray and his girl"
- 08. "Raise Me Up (Mississippi South)"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Ray, Ray, Ray, raise me up"
Unreleased songs:
- "I Learned How to Make Love from the Movies"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "My man is sending his buddy Ray over your way"
- "Wayamaya"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "And we changed our names to Lana and Ray"
Movie Stars: Actors and Actresses[]
Angelina Jolie[]
Angelina Jolie is an American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 15. "Peppers"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Hands on your knees, I'm Angelina Jolie"
- Line: "Hands on your knees, Angelina Jolie"
Burt Reynolds[]
Burt Reynolds was an American actor and 1970s sex symbol.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Star Lux"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "And Burt, he would smile in his blue-and-white stripes"
James Dean in 1953.
James Dean[]
James Byron Dean was an American actor. He is remembered as a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment and social estrangement, as expressed in the title of his most celebrated film, Rebel Without a Cause (1955).
Songs[]
Songs from Born to Die (2012):
- 02. "Blue Jeans"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "It was like James Dean, for sure"
Unreleased songs:
- "Children of the Bad Revolution"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Where the bad boys roll hard, dressing like James Dean"
- Line: "Just like they're James Dean"
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Mansfield in Kiss Them for Me (1957).
Jayne Mansfield[]
Jayne Mansfield was an American actress, she was a major Hollywood sex symbol during the 1950s and early 1960s.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Dum Dum"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Mansfield ringer from the Hollywood silver screen"
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Jeffrey Wayne Sutherland as John Wayne in Tropico short film (2013).
John Wayne[]
Marion Robert Morrison, known professionally as John Wayne, was an American actor and filmmaker who became a popular icon through his starring roles in films made during Hollywood’s Golden Age, especially in Western and war movies.
Music videos[]
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Direct. John Wayne is one of the characters from the film. He cites an excerpt of Mitchum 1971 poem "Why I Love America". He is portrayed by Jeffrey Wayne Sutherland.
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Margaret Qualley
Margaret Qualley[]
Margaret Qualley is an American actress and wife of Jack Antonoff.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 13. "Margaret" (feat. Bleachers)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "He met Margaret on a rooftop, she was wearin' white"
Marilyn as appears in the Tropico (2013) short film. Portrayed by Jodi Fleisher.
Marilyn Monroe[]
Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model and singer. Famous for playing comedic "blonde bombshell" characters, she became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s.
Songs[]
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 04. "Body Electric"
- Reference: Direct and indirect.
- Line: "Marilyn's my mother"
- Line: "Diamonds are my bestest friends" is a reference to the Marilyn Monroe song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" from the 1953 movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes".
Unreleased songs:
- "Children of the Bad Revolution"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "And the it girls blow kisses just like Marilyn"
- "Hollywood's Dead"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Marilyn's sad, Hendrix is lying there"
- "Marilyn"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Marilyn, Marilyn, Marilyn, Marilyn"
- Line: "Are you wearing nothing tonight, Marilyn?"
- "Marilyn Monroe"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "And I'm singing happy birthday like Marilyn Monroe"
- Line: "While I'm singing for the soldiers like Marilyn Monroe"
- Line: "Cause I'm strong, but I'm lonely like Marilyn Monroe"
- "Me & My Boyfriend"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Elvis and Marilyn"
- "Trash Magic" (Demo)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "All that's real to me is Marilyn and Jesus"
Del Rey as Marilyn Monroe in the "National Anthem" music video.
Music videos[]
- "National Anthem"
- Reference: Direct. In the music video, Del Rey is portraying Marilyn Monroe singing "Happy Birthday, Mr. President"
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Direct. Marilyn Monroe is one of the characters from the film.
Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira Hancock in the1983 film Scarface.
Michelle Pfeiffer[]
Michelle Pfeiffer is the actress who portrays the fictional character of Elvira Hancock in the 1983 American crime drama film Scarface.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Live Or Die"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You can be my Tony Montana and I can be your Pfeiffer, fire"
Stallone as Rocky in "Rocky Balboa" (2006).
Sylvester Stallone[]
Sylvester Stallone is an American actor, screenwriter, director, and producer. He plays the character of Rocky Balboa from the 1976 film Rocky, which Del Rey references.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Live Or Die"
- Reference: Direct
- Line: "Baby, you Sylvester Stallone and I could be your Adrian"
Music: Singers and Bands[]
Winehouse performing at the 2007 Eurockéennes Music Festival.
Amy Winehouse[]
Amy Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter, known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul, rhythm and blues and jazz. Often referenced by Del Rey.
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 16. "Get Free"
- Reference: Direct
- Line: "For Amy and for Whitney"
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 14. "Bare Feet On Linoleum"
- Reference: Direct
- Line: "The secrets you keep will keep you in deep like Amy and father and brother"
Tattoos[]
- "Amy" tattoo
- Reference: Direct. Del Rey has four names tattooed across the top of her chest, "Amy" being one of them, referring to Amy Winehouse.
Axl Rose and Lana Del Rey are seen leaving Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, 2012.
Axl Rose[]
W. Axl Rose, born William Bruce Rose Jr., is an American musician, singer, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for being the lead vocalist and lyricist of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Axl Rose Husband"
- Reference: Direct. The whole song is dedicated to him.
- Line: "You're my Axl Rose Husband"
The Beatles in 1964; clockwise from top left: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison.
The Beatles[]
The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960, comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 12. "Let the Light In" (feat. Father John Misty)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Put the Beatles on, light the candles, go back to bed"
Belinda Carlisle[]
"Heaven Is a Place on Earth" Single cover.
Belinda Jo Carlisle is an American musician, singer, and author. Her 1987 hit "Heaven is a Place on Earth" has been referenced a few times by Del Rey. Coincidentally both Carlisle and Del Rey have worked with songwriter and producer Rick Nowels on several records.
Songs[]
Songs from Born to Die (2012):
- 04. "Video Games"
- Reference: Indirect. A reference to her 1987 song "Heaven is a Place On Earth".
- Line: "Heaven is a place on earth with you"
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 02. "Ultraviolence"
- Reference: Indirect. A reference to her 1987 song "Heaven is a Place On Earth".
- Line: "Heaven is on earth"
_(LOC)_(5020400274).jpg){kind=link}
Holiday with her dog "Mister", c. 1947.
Billie Holiday[]
Billie Holiday, was an American jazz and swing music singer. Holiday had an innovative influence on jazz music and pop singing.
Songs[]
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 11. "The Blackest Day"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "All I hear is Billie Holiday. It's all that I play"
Tattoos[]
- "Billie" tattoo
- Reference: Direct. Del Rey has four names tattooed across the top of her chest, "Billie" being one of them, referring to Billie Holiday.
A-side label of U.S. vinyl single "Only the Good Die Young" by Billy Joel.
Billy Joel[]
Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter and composer.
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 02. "Lust For Life"
- Reference: Indirect. It's a reference to Billy Joel's 1977 song "Only the Good Die Young".
- Line: "They say only the good die young"
Bob Dylan in June 2010.
Bob Dylan[]
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, author and visual artist. Often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture. He was once in a relationship with singer Joan Baez. Del Rey has referenced both artists a few times.
Songs[]
Songs from Born to Die (2012):
- 02. "Off to the Races"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Bob Dylan's 1965's song "Like A Rolling Stone".
- Line: "The way I roll like a rolling stone"
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 08. "Bel Air"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Bob Dylan's 1973 song "Knockin' On Heaven's Door".
- Line: "So I run like I'm mad to heaven's door"
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 09. "Religion"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Bob Dylan's 1969 song "Lay, Lady, Lay".
- Line: "All I hear is music, like Lay, Lady, Lay"
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 13. "Tomorrow Never Came"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Bob Dylan's 1969 song "Lay, Lady, Lay".
- Line: "Lay, Lady, Lay, on that side of Paradise"
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 10. "Dance Till We Die"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Bob Dylan's 1965 song "Like A Rolling Stone".
- Line: "When you're used to rolling like a rolling stone, Joan"
Unreleased songs:
- "If I Die Young"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Bob Dylan's 1965 song of the same name.
- Line: "It's all over now, baby blue"
- "Joan and Bobby"
- Reference: Direct. The whole song is about Joan Baez and Bob Dylan's romance.
- Line: "Just as she and Bobby did"
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 02. "The Land of 1000 Fires"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Dylan. I hear Dylan when I look at you"
- Line: "You, Vernon, Dylan"
Springsteen performing in July 2012.
Bruce Springsteen[]
Bruce Springsteen is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is one of the originators of the heartland rock style of music, combining mainstream rock musical style with narrative songs about working class American life.
Songs[]
Songs from Born to Die (2012):
- 11. "Summertime Sadness"
- Reference: Indirect. The song references Springsteen's 1984 song "I'm On Fire".
- Line: "Baby, I'm on fire"
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 02. "American"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Springsteen is the king, don't you think?"
- 04. "Body Electric"
- Reference: Indirect. The song references Springsteen's 1984 song "I'm On Fire".
- Line: "I'm on fire"
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 16. "Flipside"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Springsteen's on the radio"
Publicity photo of Sonny Bono & Cher.
Cher[]
Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian, is an American singer, actress and television personality. She gained popularity in 1965 as one-half of the folk rock husband-wife duo Sonny & Cher. Del Rey quotes the couple.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Marilyn Monroe"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "The Dick Van Dyke Show, we're Cher and Bono"
US commercial cassette single.
Chris Isaak[]
Christopher Joseph Isaak, known as Chris Isaak, is an American musician and occasional actor. He is widely known for his hit "Wicked Game", a song Del Rey has referenced and even sang live along Isaak.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "In the Sun"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Isaak's 1989 song "Wicked Game".
- Line: "Such a wicked game"
Del Rey and Courtney Love.
Courtney Love[]
Courtney Michelle Love, known as Courtney Love, is an American rock musician, songwriter and actress.
Songs[]
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 10. "Dance Till We Die"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Courtney almost burned my home"
Covers:
- "Heart-Shaped Box"
- Reference: Indirect. The song is a cover of Nirvana's 1993 song written by Kurt Cobain about Courtney Love.
Crosby, Stills and Nash[]
From left to right: Neil Young, Crosby, Nash, and Stills in a publicity photo in 1970.
Crosby, Stills & Nash was a folk rock supergroup made up of American singer-songwriters David Crosby and Stephen Stills, and English singer-songwriter Graham Nash.
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 12. "Bartender"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Crosby, Stills and Nash is playing"
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" single cover.
Cyndi Lauper[]
Cyndi Lauper is an American singer, songwriter, actress and activist.
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 12. "Bartender"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Cyndi Lauper's 1983 song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun".
- Line: "Sometimes girls just want to have fun"
Unreleased songs:
- "Driving in Cars With Boys"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Cyndi Lauper's 1983 song "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".
- Line: "Girls just wanna, just wanna have fun"
David Lee Roth[]
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"Diamond Dave" is the sixth studio album by David Lee Roth.
David Lee Roth is an American rock musician, singer, songwriter and former radio personality. He was the lead singer of the hard rock band Van Halen.
Songs[]
Songs from Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant (2010):
- 13. "Mermaid Motel"
- Reference: "Diamond Dave is a 2003 studio album by David Lee Roth, the lead singer of Van Halen.
- Line: "Diamond Dave and Ray Lee"
David Bowie[]
Bowie during the Ziggy Stardust Tour, 1972–1973.
David Bowie was an English singer-songwriter and actor.
Songs[]
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 03. "Terrence Loves You"
- Reference: Indirect. The lineinterpolates David Bowie's 1969 song "Space Oddity".
- Line: "Ground control to Major Tom"
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 11. "The Greatest"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to David Bowie's 1971 song "Life on Mars?"
- Line: "Life on Mars ain't just a song"
"Kokomo" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys.
Dennis Wilson[]
Dennis Wilson, was the drummer of the Beach Boys, drowned with a fair amount of alcohol in his blood on December 28, 1983. “Kokomo” is the name of a Beach Boys song that depicts a fictional island paradise off the Florida Keys.
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 11. "The Greatest"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Dennis' last stop before Kokomo"
Hotel California studio album by the Eagles.
Eagles[]
The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971.
Songs[]
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 04. "God Knows I Tried"
- Reference: Indirect. The song mentions two Eagle's songs; 1976 Eagle's signature song "Hotel California" and 1973's song "Tequila Sunrise".
- Line: "Like Tequila Sunrise"
- Line: "Put on that Hotel California"
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 10. "The Next Best American Record"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "We played Eagles down in Malibu"
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 02. "Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd"
- Reference: Indirect. The song mentions one Eagle's song; 1976 Eagle's signature song "Hotel California".
- Line: "There's a girl who sings "Hotel California""
Fitzgerald in 1962.
Ella Fitzgerald[]
Ella Fitzegerald was an American jazz singer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella".
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 14. "Fishtail"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I was on the stairs, Ella Fitzgerald in the air"
Elton John[]
Del Rey and Elton John were featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in 2019.
Elton John is an English singer, songwriter, pianist and composer.
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 13. "Tomorrow Never Came"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Elton John's 1971 song "Tiny Dancer".
- Line: "You'd be my tiny dancer"
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 02. "Mariners Apartment Complex"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Elton John's 1973 song "Candle in the Wind".
- Line: "I ain't no candle in the wind"
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 03. "Tulsa Jesus Freak"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Elton John's 1973 song "Candle in the Wind".
- Line: "No more candle in the wind"
- 08. "Yosemite"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Elton John's 1973 song "Candle in the Wind".
- Line: "No more candle in the wind"
Lloyd Douglas as Elvis Presley, Tropico short film (2013).
Elvis Presley[]
Elvis Presley was an American singer, musician and actor. Dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. Del Rey has mentioned and referenced Elvis on multiple occasions, listed below are all of the times she has included Elvis in her art.
Songs[]
Songs from Born to Die (2012):
- 10. "Million Dollar Man"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Elvis Presley's 1956 song "Blue Suede Shoes".
- Line: "One for the money two for the show"
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 02. "American"
- Reference: Direct and indirect.
- Line: "Elvis is the best, hell yes"
- Line: "Play house, put my favorite record on" The lyric is a reference to the classic Elvis Presley’s 1955 song “Baby, Let’s Play House”.
- 04. "Body Electric"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Elvis is my daddy"
Unreleased songs:
- "Elvis"
- Reference: Direct. The whole song is about Elvis Presley.
- Line: "Baby's breath and Elvis lyrics".
- Line: "Elvis, where are you when I need you most?"
- "Hollywood's Dead"
- Reference: Direct and indirect.
- Line: "Hollywood's dead, Elvis is crying"
- Line: "And you were '50s cool in blue suede shoes" The lyric is a reference to Elvis Presley's 1956 song "Blue Suede Shoes".
- "California"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Elvis Presley's 1956 song "Blue Suede Shoes".
- Line: "Look at me, I'm staying up late in my blue suede shoes"
Music videos[]
- Short film Tropico
- Reference: Direct. Elvis Presley is one of the characters from the film. Portrayed by Lloyd Douglas.
Del Rey and Father John Misty, "Freak" music video, 2016.
Father John Misty[]
Josh Tillman, better known by his stage name Father John Misty, is an American musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. Husband of Del Rey's friend Emma Tillman. He opened for Del Rey on three dates on the North American 2014 leg of her Paradise Tour.
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 09. "Coachella – Woodstock In My Mind"
- Reference: Indirect. The song talks about being at a Father John Misty's live concert while being with his wife Emma Tillman.
- Line: "Watchin' your husband swing in time"
Music videos[]
- "Freak"
- Reference: Direct. Father John Misty appears on the music video.
.jpg){kind=link}
Sinatra, circa October 1957,
Frank Sinatra[]
Frank Sinatra was an American singer and actor who is generally perceived as one of the greatest musical artists of the 20th century.
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 14. "Heroin"
- Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Sinatra's 1964 song "Fly Me to the Moon".
- Line: "I'm flying to the moon again"
Unreleased songs:
- "Hollywood's Dead"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "And you are living proof, Sinatra aloof"
"Blue Skies Forever" appears on the soundtrack of the 1983 movie All the Right Moves.
Frankie Miller[]
Frankie Miller is a Scottish rock singer-songwriter and actor. In 1983, Miller sang the closing track, "Blue Skies Forever", on the movie "All The Right Moves".
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 02. "Lust for Life"
- Reference: Indirect. "Blue Skies Forever" is a song by Frankie Miller on the soundtrack to the 1983 teen sports drama "All The Right Move".
- Line: "Blue skies forever"
George Jones and Tammy Wynette in 1969.
George Jones[]
George Jones was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. Known for his contributions to country music, as well as his tumultous relationship with his former wife, Tammy Wynette. Both were referenced in Del Rey's collaboration with Nikki Lane.
Songs[]
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 09. "Breaking Up Slowly"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "George got arrested out on the lawn"
Guns N' Roses classic lineup.
Guns N' Roses[]
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles, California.
Songs[]
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 08. "Bel Air"
- Reference: Indirect. the song cites two Guns N' Roses songs; 1988's song "Sweet Child 'o Mine" and their 1990's cover of "Knocking On Heaven's Door" originally recorded from Bob Dylan.
- Line: "So I run like a child to heaven’s door"
- Line: "Mon amour, sweet child of mine, you’re divine"
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 13. "Guns and Roses"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "He loved guns and roses, guns and roses"
Hank Williams[]
Hank Williams in 1951.
Hank Williams was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Regarded as one of the most significant and influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th century in country music.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Hey Blue Baby"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Put the Hank Williams on"
- "I Must Be Stupid for Being So Happy"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I just put Hank Williams on"
Harry Nilsson in 1972.
Harry Nilsson[]
Harry Nilsson was an American singer-songwriter who reached the peak of his commercial success in the early 1970s. He seems to be one of the biggest Del Rey's inspirations.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 02. "Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Harry Nilsson has a song, his voice breaks at 2:05"
Jack Antonoff
Jack Antonoff[]
Jack Antonoff is an American producer, musician, member of the band Bleachers and a long-time collaborator and friend of Lana Del Rey.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 13. "Margaret" (feat. Bleachers)
- Reference: Indirect. The whole song is about him and his relationship with Margaret Qualley.
Janis Joplin in 1970.
Janis Joplin[]
Janis Joplin was an American singer-songwriter who sang rock, soul, and blues music.
Songs[]
Songs from soundtracks:
- "Young and Beautiful" (Demo)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Channeling Joplin, Jimmy Page now"
Unreleased songs:
- "Hollywood"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I walk on water and I dance like Joplin"
Del Rey and Leto for "Forever Guilty", Gucci (2019).
Jared Leto[]
Jared Leto is an American actor and musician. Lead singer of the band 30 Seconds to Mars. Jared Leto and Del Rey were the face of the 2019 "Forever Guilty" campaign for Gucci Guilty, where they collaborated with Alessandro Michele and Courtney Love.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Last Girl On Earth"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Chariots of gold, I ride with Jay-Z, Jared Leto"
Jay-Z[]
.jpg){kind=link}
Jay-Z in 2011.
Jay-Z (stylized as JAY-Z) is an American rapper, songwriter, record executive, businessman, and media proprietor. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop artists in history.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Last Girl On Earth"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Chariots of gold, I ride with Jay-Z, Jared Leto"
Jeff Buckley[]
Grace is the only studio album by American singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley. It includes the song "Mojo Pin".
Jeff Buckley was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 12. "Black Beauty"
- Reference: Indirect. The title 'Black Beauty' appears on Buckley's 1994 song "Mojo Pin" that includes the lyric "Black beauty I love you so, so. Black, black, black beauty". This might also be a reference to Anna Sewell's 1877 novel of the same name. You can read more about this reference under the category: Literature.
- Line: "Black beauty, baby, black beauty, baby"
Jim Morrison in 1968.
Jim Morrison[]
Jim Morrison was an American singer, poet and songwriter who was the lead vocalist of the rock band The Doors. Morrison has been referenced and mentioned a few times by Del Rey.
Songs[]
Songs from Paradise (2012):
- 06. "Gods & Monsters"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Living like Jim Morrison"
Unreleased songs:
- "Hollywood"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Body electric and I dance like Morrison"
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 08. "Tessa DiPietro"
- Reference: Direct and indirect.
- Line: "Jim Morrison at the Hollywood Bowl, 1968, check date"
- Line: "Oh - and Jim died at 27 so find another frame of reference when you’re referencing heaven"
- Line: "And have you ever read the lyrics to ‘People Are Strange’? He made no sense!" Del Rey cites The Doors' 1967 song "People Are Strange".
Jimmy Gnecco and Del Rey in 2014.
Jimmy Gnecco[]
Jimmy Gnecco is an American singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist who makes music both under his name and the moniker Ours.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Jimmy Gnecco"
- Reference: Direct. The whole song is about him.
- Line: "I say, Hey Jimmy Gnecco"
Hendrix in 1967.
Jimi Hendrix[]
Jimi Hendrix was an American musician, singer, and songwriter.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Hollywood's Dead"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Hendrix is lying there".
.jpg){kind=link}
Jimmy Page in 1977.
Jimmy Page[]
Jimmy Page is the lead guitarrist of the English rock band Led Zeppelin. Specific references to Led Zeppelin are listed under the category of the same name.
Songs[]
Songs from soundtracks:
- "Young and Beautiful" (Demo)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Channeling Joplin, Jimmy Page now"
Del Rey and Baez performing live, 2019.
Joan Baez[]
Joan Baez is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and activist. She was once in a relationship with singer Bob Dylan. Del Rey has talked about her admiration towards her, and performed alongside Baez during the Norman Fucking Rockwell Tour in 2019. Del Rey and Baez covered Baez's "Diamonds & Rust" and Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" at Hearst Greek Theater, in Berkeley, California.
Songs[]
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 10. "Dance Till We Die"
- Reference: Direct. The whole song is about a time in which Del Rey and Joan Baez went clubbing at an Afro-Caribbean two-step club in Louisiana and danced all night.
- Line: "I'm covering Joni and I'm dancing with Joan"
- Line: "We'll keep walking on the sunny side"
- Line: "Killing it, talking shit, Joan said she was gonna quit"
Unreleased songs:
- "Joan and Bobby"
- Reference: Direct. The whole song is about Joan Baez and Bob Dylan's romance.
- Line: "Joan said something, "don't pee in the wind"
- Line: "Just as she and Bobby did"
- Line: "Joan just kept on [?]"
- Line: "Joan's about telling me something uplifting"
Denver in 1974.
John Denver[]
John Denver was an American singer and songwriter. He was one of the most popular acoustic artists of the 1970s and one of the best-selling artists in that decade.
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 01. "The Grants"
- Reference: Direct and indirect. "Rock Mountain High" is a song by Denver released in 1972.
- Line: Like "Rocky Mountain High," the way John Denver sings"
.jpg){kind=link}
Lennon in March 1969.
John Lennon[]
John Lennon was an English singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist who achieved worldwide fame as the founder, co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. Former husband of Yoko Ono and father of Sean Ono Lennon.
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 13. "Tomorrow Never Came"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Lennon and Yoko, we would play all day long"
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 02. "Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Lennon in the back, whisperin' in my ear, "Come on, baby, you can thrive""
Unreleased songs:
- "Hollywood's Dead"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Lennon wake up"
.jpg){kind=link}
Mitchell performing in concert at theUniversal Amphitheatre in August 1974.
Joni Mitchell[]
Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter and painter.
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 09. "California"
- Reference: Indirect. Although it's a direct reference to Joni Mitchell's 1971 song also titled "California" ("Reading Rolling Stones, reading Vogue").
- Line: "I'll pick up all of your Vogues and all of your Rolling Stones"
- 12. "Bartender"
- Reference: Indirect. Although it's a direct reference to Joni Mitchell's 1970 album "Ladies of the Canyon".
- Line: "All the ladies of the canyon wearing black to their house parties"
- Line: "All the ladies of the canyon wearing white for their tea parties"
Ladies of the Canyon by Joni Mitchell, 1970. It includes the song "For Free".
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 10. "Dance Till We Die"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I'm covering Joni and I'm dancing with Joan"
- 11. "For Free"
- Reference: Indirect. The song doesn't mention Joni Mitchell, but it's a cover of Mitchell's 1970 song off the album "Ladies of the Canyon".
Kanye West[]
Del Rey performing at Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's wedding in 2014.
Kanye West is an American rapper, record producer, and fashion designer. Del Rey performed on his and Kim Kardashian's pre-wedding reception at the Palace of Versailles in 2014.
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 11. "The Greatest"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Kanye West is blond and gone"
Kings of Leon[]
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 11. "The Greatest"
- Reference: Indirect. Del Rey stated that the line was a reference to the bands she grew up listening to, like Kings of Leon, The Strokes, and The White Stripes.[1]
- Line: "Me and my friends, we miss rock and roll"
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 01. "White Dress"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Just listening Kings of Leon to the beat"
Kurt Cobain[]
Kurt Cobain is the lead singer of Nirvana. Specific references to Nirvana are listed under the category of the same name.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Hollywood's Dead"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Cobain stop lying there"
Lady Gaga[]
Stefani Germanotta known professionally as Lady Gaga, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "So Legit"
- Reference: Direct. The whole song is considered to be a 'diss track' to Lady Gaga. Listed below are the direct lines that mention her.
- Line: "Stefani you suck, I know you're selling twenty million".
- Line: "Have we all gone Gaga crazy?"
Led Zeppelin[]
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group consisted of vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham.
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 09. "Coachella – Woodstock In My Mind"
- Reference: Indirect. The chorus references the Led Zeppelin's 1971 song "Stairway to Heaven".
- Line: "I'd trade it all for a stairway to heaven"
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 10. "The Next Best American Record"
- Reference: Indirect. The first verse of the track references their 1973 album "Houses of the Holy".
- Line: "My baby used to dance under eath my architecture, to the 'House of the Holy'
Leonard Cohen[]
Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist.
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 02. "Mariners Apartment Complex"
- Reference: Indirect. In the song Del Rey mentions the name of Leonard Cohen's 1988 song "I'm Your Man".
- Line: "I'm your man"
- 03. "Venice Bitch"
- Reference: Indirect. In the song Del Rey mentions the name of Leonard Cohen's 1966 novel "Beautiful Losers"
- Line: "La, la, la, la, la, la. Losers, beautiful losers"
Lou Reed[]
Lou Reed was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and poet. Del Rey was supposed to record "Brooklyn Baby" with him but he died shortly before the session, his last post being "Twilight Sparkle vs. Metal Machine Music" on his Facebook before passing.
Songs[]
Songs from Born to Die (2012):
- 01. "Born to Die"
- Reference: Indirect. Del Rey references Lou Reed's 1972 song "Walk on the Wild Side".
- Line: "Come and take a walk on the wild side"
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 04. "Brooklyn Baby"
- Reference: Direct. Not only does it mention Lou Reed, but he was going to be featured on the song, but he sadly passed away.
- Line: "He plays guitar while I sing Lou Reed"
Marc Bolan.
Marc Bolan[]
Marc Bolan was an English artist, lead singer and guitarist of British band T-Rex.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Hollywood's Dead"
- Reference: Direct
- Line: "Bolan is dying"
Mariah Carey[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Live or Die"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You can be my Tommy Mottola and I can be Mariah, tiger"
Mötley Crüe[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 14. "Heroin"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Life rocked me like Mötley"
Neil Young[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 16. "Get Free"
- Reference: Indirect. The line below is a reference to Neil Young's 1979 song "Hey, Hey, My, My" ("Out of the blue and into the black").
- Line: "Out of the black (Out of the black. Into the blue (Into the blue)"
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 07. "Cinnamon Girl"
- Reference: Indirect. The title is borrowed from Neil Young's 1970 song also called "Cinnamon Girl".
- Line: The reference is in the title.
New Radicals[]
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 05. "West Coast"
- Reference: Indirect. The line listed below is a reference to the New Radical's 1998 hit "You Get What You Give" ("You've got the music in you")
- Line: "You've got the music in you, don't you?"
Nina Simone[]
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 11. "The Other Woman"
- Reference: Indirect. The song is a cover of Jessie Mae Robinson's song "The Other Woman" popularized by Nina Simone.
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 14. "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"
- Reference: Indirect. The song is a cover of Nina Simone's 1964 song "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood".
Tattoos[]
- "Nina" tattoo
- Reference: Direct. Del Rey has four names tattooed across the top of her chest, "Nina" being one of them, referring to Nina Simone.
Nirvana[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant (2010):
- 03. "Oh Say Can You See"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "The voice of Nirvana says: Come as you are"
Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):
- 11. "Wildflower Wildfire"
- Reference: Indirect. The song could be referencing Nirvana's 1992 song "Lithium".
- Line: "Comfortably numb, but with lithium came poetry"
Covers:
- "Heart-Shaped Box"
- Reference: Direct. The song is a cover of Nirvana's 1993 song if the same name.
Unreleased songs:
- "Prom Song (Gone Wrong)"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You played me Biggie Smalls and then my first Nirvana song"
Patsy Cline[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 04. "Cherry"
- Reference: Indirect. The chorus of "Cherry" references Patsy Cline's 1961 song "I Fall to Pieces".
- Line: "I fall to pieces when I'm with you"
Phil Collins[]
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 13. "Guns and Roses"
- Reference: Indirect. The song's bridge borrows lyrics from Phil Collins' 1981 hit "In the Air Tonight".
- Line: "I can feel it coming in the air tonight"
Prince[]
Songs[]
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 04. "Let Me Love You Like A Woman"
- Reference: Indirect. The song's bridge references Prince's classic 1984 album and song "Purple Rain".
- Line: "We could get lost in the purple rain"
Ray Gillen[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Greenwich"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "And your leather, looking like Ray Gillen"
Savage Garden[]
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 14. "Florida Kilos"
- Reference: Indirect. The lyrics 'Chica Cherry Cola' is a reference to the lyrics of the 1996 song "I Want You" by the Australian pop duo Savage Garden.
- Line: "Chica Cherry Cola lime"
Sean Ono Lennon[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 13. "Tomorrow Never Came" (feat. Sean Ono Lennon)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Isn't life crazy, now that I'm singing with Sean?"
Simon & Garfunkel[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 04. "Cherry"
- Reference: Indirect. The line referencing the duo Simon & Garfunkel is taken from their 1968 cover of the traditional English song 'Scarborough Fair'. Del Rey has confirmed the reference is intentional as she performed the song after singing "Cherry" on her 'LA to the Moon Tour'.
- Line: "Rosemary and Thyme"
- 12. "Beautiful People Beautiful Problems"
- Reference: Indirect. The chant 'lie, la, lia' is taken from the duo's 1969 song 'The Boxer'.
- Line: "Lie, la, lie"
Sid and Nancy[]
Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Backfire"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "We're like Sid and Nancy, loving the fight"
- "Hollywood's Dead"
- Reference: Direct. Although only Sid Vicious is mentioned.
- Line: "Vicious in flames"
- "Never let Me Go"
- Reference: Direct
- Line: "I can be your Nancy, you can be my Sid"
Sonny Bono[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Marilyn Monroe"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "The Dick Van Dyke Show, we're Cher and Bono"
Steppenwolf[]
Songs[]
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 07. "Art Deco"
- Reference: Indirect. The line from "Art Deco" is a reference to the 1968 song "Born to Be Wild", most notably featured on the 1969 film "Easy Rider", a film also referenced by Del Rey on songs like "Angels Forever, Forever Angels" and "Freak".
- Line: "Born to be wild"
Stevie Nicks[]
Songs[]
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 10. "Dance Till We Die"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Stevie is calling on the telephone"
Sun Ra[]
Songs[]
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 01. "White Dress"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Like Sun Ra"
Tammy Wynette[]
Songs[]
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 10. "Breaking Up Slowly"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I don't wanna end up like Tammy Wynette"
The Angels[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 02. "Lust For Life"
- Reference: Indirect. The song reference The Angels' 1963 song "My Boyfriend's Back".
- Line: "My boyfriend's back and he's cooler than ever"
The Beach Boys[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 01. "Love"
- Reference: Indirect. Del Rey's song references The Beach Boys' 1964 song "Don't Worry Baby".
- Line: "Don't worry, baby"
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 11. "The Greatest"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "I miss the bar where The Beach Boys would go"
The Crystals[]
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 02. "Ultraviolence"
- Reference: Indirect. Del Rey borrows lyrics from The Crystal's 1962 song "He Hit Me (It Felt Like a Kiss)".
- Line: "He hit me and it felt like a kiss"
Unreleased songs:
- "Beautiful Player"
- Reference: Indirect. Del Rey borrows The Crystal's 1962 song "He Hit Me (It Felt Like a Kiss)".
- Line: "Hit me and it felt like a kiss"
The Doors[]
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 08. "Tessa DiPietro"
- Reference: Indirect. Del Rey quotes the 1967 song "People are Strange".
- Line: "And have you ever read the lyrics to ‘People are Strange’? He made no sense!"
The Kinks[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Butterflies (Part 2)"
- Reference: Indirect. Del Rey mentions The Kinks' 1970 song "Lola".
- Line: "He puts on 'Lola' by the Kinks and he dances 'round"
The Mamas & The Papas[]
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 04. "Fuck It I Love You"
- Reference: Indirect. Del Rey references the Mamas & The Papas' 1968 song "Glad to Be Unhappy" (Lyrics: "Dream a little dream of me"). And 1966's hit "California Dreamin".
- Line: "Dream a little dream of me".
- Line: "California dreamin', got my money on my mind"
- 06. "Love Song"
- Reference: Indirect. Del Rey references the Mamas & The Papas' 1968 song "Glad to Be Unhappy" (Lyrics: "Dream a little dream of me").
- Line: "Dream a dream"
Wallace in 1995
The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls)[]
Christopher George Latore Wallace, better known by his stage names the Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie, was an American rapper and songwriter.
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Prom Song (Gone Wrong)"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You played me Biggie Smalls and then my first Nirvana song"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers[]
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 14. "Fishtail"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Me and my boyfriend listen to the Chili Peppers"
The White Stripes[]
Songs[]
Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):
- 01. "White Dress"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Listening to The White Stripes when they were white hot.
The Sugarhill Gang[]
Songs[]
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 07. "Art Deco"
- Reference: Indirect. The line references American hip hop trio The Sugarhill Gang's 1979 hit "Rapper's Delight".
- Line: "Like your rapper's delight
Tommy James and the Shondells[]
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 03. "Venice Bitch"
- Reference: Indirect. Del Rey references Tommy James and the Shondell's 1968 song "Crimson and Clover".
- Line: "My baby, crimson and clover"
Van Halen[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant (2010):
- 07. "Mermaid Motel"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Or see Van Halen at the reunion show"
Whitney Houston[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 16. "Get Free"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "For Amy and for Whitney"
Tattoos[]
- "Whitney" tattoo
- Reference: Direct. Del Rey has four names tattooed across the top of her chest, "Whitney" being one of them, referring to Whitney Houston.
Yoko Ono[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 13. "Tomorrow Never Came" (feat. Sean Ono Lennon)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Lennon and Yoko"
Politics, Monarchy & Crime[]
Benjamin Franklin[]
Songs[]
Songs from Honeymoon (2015):
- 12. "24"
- Reference: Indirect, the line is a reference to a famous proverb attributed to Benjamin Franklin ("He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas").
- Line: "If you lie down with dogs / Then you'll get fleas"
Bonnie & Clyde[]
Songs[]
Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):
- 03. "Shades of Cool"
- Reference: Direct. Although only Bonnie is mentioned and used in plural.
- Line: "I'm one of many Bonnies blue"
- 06. "Sad Girl"
- Reference: Direct. Although only Bonnie is mentioned.
- Line: "His Bonnie on the side, Bonnie on the side, makes me a sad, sad girl"
Unreleased songs:
- "Live or Die"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Are we gonna be Bonnie and Clyde?
- Line: "I sense Bonnie and Clyde was two kids so good at being bad, bad, bad".
Cleopatra[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Last Girl On Earth"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Cleopatra used to rule, but she got nothing on me now"
Diana, Princess of Wales[]
Poems[]
Poems from Behind the Iron Gates - Insights from an Institution (TBD):
- "Patent Leather Do-Over"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Sylvia, Marilyn, Violet, Diana"
Eric Garcetti[]
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 01. "LA Who Am I to Love You"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "The reason for Garcetti's extra security"
Jackie Kennedy[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Marilyn Monroe"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Cause you're the class president without Jackie O."
Music videos[]
- "Video Games"
- Reference: Indirect. The music video features Del Rey with a hairstyle similar to that of Kennedy's.
John Newton[]
Songs[]
Songs from Born to Die (2012):
- 01. "Born to Die"
- Reference: Indirect. The song references Newton's 1779 hymn "Amazing Grace" (The verse of the poem are "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see").
- Line: "Lost, but now I am found / I can see but once I was blind"
John F. Kennedy[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "JFK"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You've got a way like JFK when you do it"
Julius Caesar[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Last Girl on Earth"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Caesar say he'd fall in love with me if I was older"
Visual Artists: Painters, Photographers and Fashion Designers[]
Georgia O'Keeffe[]
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 04. "Past the Bushes Cypress Thriving"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Georgia O' Keeffee / Georgia peaches / Doing nothing but your painting"
Jean Paul Gaultier[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Breaking My Heart"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace, and yayo"
Norman Rockwell[]
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 01. "Norman Fucking Rockwell"
- Reference: Direct, albeit he was only mentioned in the song's title.
- 03. "Venice Bitch"
- Reference: Direct
- Line: "Norman Rockwell"
Slim Aarons[]
Songs[]
Songs from Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
- 14. "Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman like Me to Have – but I Have It"
- Reference: Direct
- Line: "I was reading Slim Aarons and I got to thinking that I thought"
Various[]
Biddy Mason[]
Songs[]
Songs from Sirens (2006):
- 06. "Out with a Bang"
- Reference: Direct
- Line: "Clear as Biddy Mason lying in a coma"
Charles Manson[]
Songs[]
Songs from Lust for Life (2017):
- 14. "Heroin"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Topanga's hot today, Manson's in the air"
John D. Rockefeller[]
Songs[]
Songs from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023):
- 05. "Candy Necklace" (feat. Jon Batiste)
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Rockefeller, my umbrella"
Tessa DiPietro[]
Poems[]
Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):
- 08. "Tessa DiPietro"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "Except for a healer on 6th street in Ridgely / Tessa DiPietro"
Tommy Mottola[]
Songs[]
Unreleased songs:
- "Live or Die"
- Reference: Direct.
- Line: "You can be my Tommy Mottola and I can be Mariah, tiger"
References[]
- ↑ Coscarelli, Joe (August 28, 2019). "Lana Del Rey on Trump, Kanye and the Right Time for a Protest Song". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/28/arts/music/lana-del-rey-norman-rockwell-album.html. Retrieved January 21, 2024.