Changes: List of people Lana Del Rey has mentioned and referenced in her songs

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):

10. "God Bless America – And All the Beautiful Women In It"

Reference: Direct.
Line: The chorus of the song mentions God multiple times.

Songs from Lust for Life (2017):

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):

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Spring I skip, God knows"

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" (2013):

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):

10. "God Bless America – And All the Beautiful Women In It"

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 (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"
Lines: "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" (2013):

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):

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"

Soundtrack Songs (2013):

• "Young and Beautiful"

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Dear Lord, when I get to Heaven"

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 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"

Music Videos

Short film "Tropico" (2013):

Reference: Direct. Mary is one of the characters in the film. Portrayed by Del Rey herself.

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):

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" (2013):

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: "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."

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):

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"

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 (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

Unreleased songs:

•"For Charlie"

Reference: Direct
Line: Unknown. The song remains unleaked.

Poems

Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):

Reference: Indirect
Line: "The secrets you keep will keep you in deep, like father and Amy and brother"

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):

12. "My Bedroom is a Sacred Place Now - There Are Children at the Foot of my Bed"

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Chuck is making birthday cake".

15. "Sweet Carolina"

Reference: Direct. The whole song is about Chuck.

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):

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"

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

Left hand

Reference: Direct. She has the letter 'M' (for Madeleine) on her left hand.

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".

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. "Hope Is A Dangerous Thing For A Woman Like Me to Have – But I Have It"

Reference: Indirect
Line: "Don't take all your secrets alone to your watery grave about lovers and mother"

Music Videos

Short film "Ride" (2012):

Reference: Direct. Del Rey mentions her mother on the monlogue.
Line: "My mother told me that I had a chameleon soul"

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):

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"

Poems

Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):

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.

Blue Banisters Tex & Mex — 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):

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: Direct.
Line: "The horses and German shepherds were more important".

Fictional Characters

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".

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 Sylvester Stallone and I could be your Adrian".

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 the book 'Hamlet' by William Shakespeare)

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".

Tony Montana in Scarface (1983), portrayed by Al Pacino — 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

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"

Jane Powers

Songs

Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):

13. "Living Legend"

Reference: Direct. The whole song is about her. On July 31, 2013, Del Rey posted on Facebook to her friend Jane Powers that she was her "main inspiration" and that she wrote a song for her called "Living Legend". Del Rey referenced the track again while thanking Powers at the end of the Ultraviolence booklet.
Line: "And sweet baby Jane don't know a thing".

Jennifer Stith

Songs

Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):

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

Nicole Lane Frady (a.k.a. Nikki Lane) is an American country music singer-songwriter and artist.

Songs

Songs from Blue Banisters (2021):

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

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" (2013):

Reference: Indirect.
Line: Del Rey cites an excerpt of Ginsberg's 1955 poem "Howl".

BlackBeautyCoverFirstEd1877 — 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: It could be a reference to the 1877 book of the same title ("Black Beauty") by Anna Sewell.

Clockwork orange — "*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"

The Sun Also Rises (1st ed — 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'.

Nietzsche187a — 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):

Reference: Indirect (Quote). "God is dead" is a Nietzsche quote from 1883.
Line: "God's dead, I said baby that's alright with me".

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"

F4039a5f52929f26f5a76cfbefd5f735 — 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 called “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

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" (2013):

Reference: Indirect.
Line: John Wayne cites an excerpt of Mitchum 1971 poem "Why I Love America".

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):

14. "Hope Is A Dangerous Thing For A Woman Like Me to Have – But I Have It"

Reference: Indirect (Quote). "Life imitates art" is a line from Oscar Wilde's 1889 essay "The Decay of Lying"
Line: "Life imitates art".

NothingFrost23 — "Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost, written in 1923.

Robert Frost

Robert Frost was an American poet. Del Rey has cited his 1923 poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" at least twice.

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,” which touches on the concept behind great things never truly staying in people’s lives.
Line: "Nothing gold can stay"

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):

Reference: Direct
Line: "24/7, Sylvia Plath"

Poems

Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):

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"

FourQuartets — First US edition of the book "Four Quartets" that includes the poem "Burnt Norton" cited by Del Rey.

T.S. Elliot

Thomas Stearns Eliot was a poet, essayist, publisher, playwright, literary critic and editor. Del Rey chose his poem "Burnt Norton" for her 2015 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 the 1943 book "First Quartets".

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"

Lolita 1955 — First edition of 1955's book "Lolita".

Vladimir Nabokov

Songs

Songs from Born to Die (2012):

02. "Off to the Races"

Reference: Indirect (Quote)
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

Right arm

Reference: Direct. Del Rey has one tattoo on her right arm. It says "Nabokov Whitman", made in reference to two writers, Vladimir Nabokov and Walt Whitman.

Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. Often referenced by Del rey in multiple ocasions.

Songs

Songs from Paradise (2012):

04. "Body Electric"

Reference: Direct and Indirect (Quote).
Line: "Whitman is my daddy"

Music Videos

1860 LeavesOfGrass Thayer Eldridge NYPL — *Leaves of Grass* (Boston: Thayer and Eldridge, year 85 of the States, 1860) (New York Public Library).

Short film "Tropico" (2013):

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

Right arm

Reference: Direct. Del Rey has one tattoo on her right arm. It says "Nabokov Whitman", made in reference to two writers, Vladimir Nabokov and Walt Whitman.

William Ernest Henley

William Ernest Henley was a British poet, writer, critic and editor in late Victorian England

Songs

Songs from "Lust For Life" (2017)

02. "Lust For Life" (feat. The Weeknd)

Reference: Indirect (Quote).
Line: "Cause we're the masters of our own fate. We're the captains of our own souls"

Love Interests

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.

Jim (Jimmy or J)

This category only lists the references to 'J'. The songs refering 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"

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"

• "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" (Also known as "For K")

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:

• "Wayamaya"

Reference: Direct
Line: "And we changed our names to Lana and Ray"

Movie Stars: Actors and Actresses

James Dean

James 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"

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"

Captura de pantalla (232) — Jeffrey Wayne Sutherland as John Wayne in "**Tropico**" (2013).

John Wayne

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" (2013):

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.

Marilyn in Tropico — 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"

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?"

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" Music Video (2013)

Reference: Direct. In the music video, Del Rey is portraying Marilyn Monroe singing"Happy Birthday, Mr. President"

Short film "Tropico" (2013):

Reference: Direct. Marilyn Monroe is one of the characters from the film.

Michelle Pfeifer Elvira Hancock Scarface — 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"

Ruth Roland

Ruth Roland was an American stage and film actress and film producer.

Songs

Unreleased Songs:

Reference: Direct
Line: "Roland is dying"

Stallone Rocky VI — 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

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):

Reference: Direct
Line: "The secrets you keep will keep you in deep like Amy and father and brother"

Tattoos

Chest:

Reference: Direct. Del Rey has four names tattooed across the top of her chest, "Whitney Amy" on the right. They stand for Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse".

531573 — Axl Rose and Lana Del Rey are seen leaving Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, 2012.

Axl Rose (Lead singer of Guns N' Roses)

Axl Rose 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, listed below are the specific mentions to him.
Line: "You my Axl Rose Husband"

Belinda Carlisle

Belinda 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"

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

Chest:

Reference: Direct. Del Rey has four names tattooed across the top of her chest, "Whitney Amy" on the right, and "Nina Billie" on the left. They stand for Nina Simone and Billie Holiday.

OnlyTheGoodDieYoung — 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

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):

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):

Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Bob Dylan's 1965's song "Like A Rolling Stone".
Line: "When you're used to rolling like a rolling stone, Joan"

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"

Joan Baez Bob Dylan — Bob Dylan with Joan Baez, 1963.

Unreleased Songs:

• "Joan and Bobby"

Reference: Direct. The whole song is about Joan Baez and Bob Dylan's romance.
Line: "Just as she and Bobby did"

• "On & On & On"

Reference: Indirect. The song cites the title of Bob Dylan's 1965 song "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue".
Line: "It's all over now, baby blue".

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"

Cher

Cher 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:

Reference: Direct.
Line: "The Dick Van Dyke Show, we're Cher and Bono"

Chris Isaak

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"

Lana Courtney 1 — Del Rey and Courtney Love.

Courtney Love

Courtney Love is an American rock musician, songwriter and actress.

Songs

Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):

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

Crosby Stills Nash and Young 1970 — 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"

Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper is an American singer, songwriter, actress and activist. Her hit single 1983 "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" was referenced by Del Rey at least twice.

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 (Lead singer of Van Halen)

Diamond Dave (cover art) — *"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

David Bowie was an English singer-songwriter and actor. At least two of his songs have been referenced by Del Rey.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 song cover — *"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 28th, 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"

Hotelcalifornia — *"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):

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"

Elton John

PRI 91892834 — 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):

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"

Elton John - Candle in the Wind (1986) — Elton John's 1973 song "*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".

Elvis Tropico — 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 ocasions, 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 1: Direct.
Line: "Elvis is the best, hell yes"
Reference 2: Indirect. This next line is a reference to the classic Elvis Presley’s 1955 song “Baby, Let’s Play House”.
Line: "Play house, put my favorite record on"

04. "Body Electric"

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Elvis is my daddy"

Short film "Tropico" (2013):

Reference: Direct. Elvis Presley is one of the characters from the film. Portrayed by Lloyd Douglas.

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?"

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Hollywood's dead, Elvis is crying"

FJM 2 — 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" Music Video:

Reference: Direct. Father John Misty appears on the music video.

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:

Reference: Direct.
Line: "And you are living proof, Sinatra aloof"

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"

GeorgeTammy — 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 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

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 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"

Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin was an American singer-songwriter who sang rock, soul, and blues music.

Songs

Songs from soundtracks:

• "Young and Beautiful" (Demo Version)

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Channeling Joplin, Jimmy Page now"

Unreleased Songs:

• "Hollywood"

Reference: Direct.
Line: "I walk on water and I dance like Joplin"

LDR & JL — 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

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

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 (Lead singer of The Doors)

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):

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Living like Jim Morrison"

Unreleased Songs:

• "Hollywood"

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Body electric and I dance like Morrison"

PeopleAreStrange — Single cover for "*People Are Strange*" by The Doors.

Poems

Poems from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020):

08. "Tessa DiPietro"

Reference: Direct.
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"
Reference: Indirect. Del Rey cites The Doors' 1967 song "People Are Strange".
Line: "And have you ever read the lyrics to ‘People Are Strange’? He made no sense!

C024eeb473c420dcc10600aaa6223d8a — Jimmy Gnecco and Del Rey. 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"

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was an American musician, singer, and songwriter.Songs

Unreleased Songs:

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Hendrix is lying there".

Led Zeppelin - Jimmy Page (1977) — Jimmy Page, 1977.

Jimmy Page (Lead guitarrist of Led Zeppelin)

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 Version)

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Channeling Joplin, Jimmy Page now"

LDR & Joan — 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 has actually performed along Baez during her "Norman Fucking Rockwell! Tour" in 2019. In the fifth show, at Hearst Greek Theater, in Berkeley, Del Rey covered "Diamonds and Rust" and Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" with Baez.

Songs

Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):

Reference: Direct. The whole song is about one time when Del Rey and Joan Baez met and went out clubbing to 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 feel too bad being weird".
Line: "Joan, wait. Sometimes just a little movement".
Line: "Joan just kept on clueing".
Line: "Joan's about telling me something uplifting".
Line: "Just as she and Bobby did"

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):

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Lennon and Yoko, we would play all day long".

Unreleased Songs:

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Lennon wake up".

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".

Joni Ladies — "*Ladies of the Canyon*" by Joni Mitchell, 1970. It includes the song "*For Free*".

Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):

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".

Unreleased Songs:

• "Yes to Heaven"

Reference: Indirect. The line is a reference to Joni Mitchell's 1971 song "California" ("They won't give peace a chance").
Line: "Give peace a chance".

Kanye West

97da22d5c29e5b41e96b782427d5026a — 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 Lions

Songs

Songs from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021):

01. "White Dress"

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Just listening Kings of Lions to the beat".

Kurt Cobain (Lead singer of Nirvana)

Kurt Cobain is the lead singer of Nirvana. Specific references to Nirvana are listed under the category of the same name.

Songs

Unreleased Songs:

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. Del Rey has covered Cohen's Chelsea Hotel

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

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".

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):

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

Chest

Reference: Direct. Del Rey has four names tattooed across the top of her chest, "Whitney Amy" on the right, and "Nina Billie" on the left. They stand for Nina Simone and Billie Holiday.

Nirvana

Songs

Unreleased Songs:

• "Prom Song (Gone Wrong)"

Reference: Direct.
Line: "You played me Biggie Smalls and then my first Nirvana song"

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.

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 Phil Collins' 1981 hit "In the Air Tonight" (Lyrics: "I can feel it coming 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):

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 Spunguen.

Songs

Unreleased Songs:

• "Backfire"

Reference: Direct.
Line: "We're like Sid and Nancy, loving the fight".

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:

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):

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 girl group The Angel's 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 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"

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 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):

Whitney Houston

Songs

Songs from Lust for Life (2017):

16. "Get Free"

Reference: Direct.
Line: "For Amy and for Whitney"

Tattoos

Chest:

Reference: Direct. Del Rey has four names tattooed across the top of her chest, "Whitney Amy" on the right. They stand for Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse".

Yoko Ono

Songs

Songs from Lust for Life (2017):

Reference: Direct.
Line: "Lennon and Yoko".

Politics, Monarchy & Crime

Bonnie & Clyde

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.

Songs

Songs from Ultraviolence (2014):

03. "Shades of Cool"

Reference: Direct. Although only Bonnie is mentioned and used in pural.
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

Poms 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: