Million Dollar Man (song)

Lana Del Rey
Writer(s)	Lana Del Rey Chris Braide
Producer(s)	Emile Haynie Chris Braide
Length	3:51 (See official versions)
From
Single(s)	"Video Games" "Born to Die" "Blue Jeans" "Summertime Sadness" "National Anthem" "Dark Paradise"
Promotional single(s)	"Off to the Races" "Carmen"
Born to Die track listing
"Carmen"
"Summertime Sadness"

"Million Dollar Man" is a song by Lana Del Rey that is featured as the tenth track on her debut major-label studio album, Born to Die. It was written by Del Rey and Chris Braide, who also produced the song with Emile Haynie.

Live performances

Del Rey first performed the song live on the 2011 leg of her Born to Die Tour, before the song was officially released. It was also included on the setlist of the 2012 leg of the Born to Die Tour, as well as the Paradise Tour (2013—2014).

Composition and critical reception

"Million Dollar Man" is a cinematic Jazz-influenced ballad with low vocals and piano laced production. It runs at a duration of three minutes and fifty-one seconds. Sal Cinquemani of Slant called it a "solid, bluesy ballad" and stated that it felt quite reminiscent of Fiona Apple's music. Jen Dan of Delusions of Adequacy similarly referred to the song as a jazzy torch song, that "layers together smoky, expressive vocals, piano notes, and extended strings".

Cross references

• Money is mentioned in many songs like "Hundred Dollar Bill" and "Ten Dollar Ring".
• The lyric "one for the money, and two for the show" is a direct reference to Elvis Presley's cover of "Blue Suede Shoes" by Carl Perkins.

Music video

Music video	Information
	Released	N/A
	Length	4:06
	Director	Lana Del Rey
	Producer
	Filmed	2010
	Location
	Vevo views	N/A

Background and description

Before the release of Born to Die, Del Rey filmed a homemade music video for the demo version of "Million Dollar Man". It features clips of Del Rey herself and clips from miscellaneous films and videos, similar to the style of many of her pre-Born to Die era music videos.

Official versions

• Album version — 3:51
• Demo version — 3:42
• Instrumental version — 3:50

Lyrics

You said I was the most exotic flower
Holding me tight in our final hour
I don't know how you convince them and get them, boy
I don't know what you do
It's unbelievable
And I don't know how you get over, get over
Someone as dangerous, tainted and flawed as you

One for the money
Two for the show
I love you honey
I'm ready, I'm ready to go

How did you get that way?
I don't know
You're screwed up and brilliant
You look like a million dollar man
So why is my heart broke?

You've got the world
But baby, at what price?
Something so strange
Hard to define

It isn't that hard boy
To like you or love you
I'd follow you down, down, down
You're unbelievable

If you're going crazy
Just grab me and take me
I'd follow you down, down, down
Anywhere, anywhere

One for the money
Two for the show
I love you honey
I'm ready, I'm ready to go

How did you get that way?
I don't know
You're screwed up and brilliant
You look like a million dollar man
So why is my heart broke?

One for the money
Two for the show
I love you honey
I'm ready, I'm ready to go

How did you get that way?
I don't know
You're screwed up and brilliant
You look like a million-dollar man
So why is my heart broke?

I don't know
You're screwed up and brilliant
You look like a million-dollar man
So why is my heart broke?

Credits

Personnel

• Lana Del Rey — vocals, songwriting
• Christ Braide — songwriting, production, guitars, acoustic piano, strings, drum programming
• Emile Haynie — production, drums, additional keyboards
• Dan Grech-Marguerat — mixing
• Duncan Fuller — mixing assistance
• John Davis — mastering

Technical

• Published by EMI / Sony / ATV
• Recorded at Human Feel Studios, Los Angeles, United States
• Mixed at Miloco's Engine Room, London, United Kingdom
• Mastered at Metropolis Mastering, London, United Kingdom