"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 | |
|---|---|---|
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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 "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
- Guitars — Chris Braide
- Acoustic Piano — Chris Braide
- Strings — Chris Braide
- Drum programming — Chris Braide
- Drums — Emile Haynie
- Additional keyboards — Emile Haynie
- Mixing — Dan Grech Marguerat for 365 Artists
- Assistant mixing — Duncan Fuller
- Recording — at Human Feel Studio (California)
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