"TV in Black & White" (also known as "Living Without You") is an unreleased song by Lana Del Rey. It was recorded in 2011 and leaked on June 28, 2013. The song was the first collaboration between Del Rey and Rick Nowels. The song is believed to have been intended for inclusion on Born to Die, but did not make the final cut.
Background[]
The song was reportedly part of a list of songs labeled as "b-sides" to Born to Die, which were heavily considered for release. Other songs include "Marilyn Monroe", "On Our Way", and "Velvet Crowbar".[S 1] In 2015, Nowels revealed that this song was their first collaboration together, before writing "Summertime Sadness" next, and later, "Dark Paradise", in between takes.[1]
An a cappella demo of the song titled "Living Without You" leaked on August 12, 2013. A more "polished" version of the song has been confirmed to exist.[S 2] "Several" demos of the song are rumored to exist.[S 3]
Del Rey acknowledged the song during an Instagram livestream on July 27, 2017, mentioning that it is amongst her favorite unreleased songs and that she would include it on a compilation album of her favorite leaked songs, if she ever were to release one.[2]
Cross-references[]
- References to Coney Island are also present in "Mermaid Motel", "Off to the Races", and "Carmen".
- Direct reference to "Greenwich".
- "Drive By" also contains references about a lover in prison, who could potentially be K.
Official versions[]
- Final version — 3:37
- "Living Without You" demo — 3:33
Lyrics[]
Final version[]
If you get lonely, think of me only
Prison isn't going to keep me from you
Remember Coney Island and how we'd
Wade into the water 'til the waves turned blue?
Nobody does have to know that our love's alive
Keep it on the low if you want to hide
Got that same address if you want to write
1 Greenwich Avenue, wishin' and thinkin' of you
Living without you's like TV in black and white
You turned me on and brought color into my life
When I'm around you, suddenly, I realize
That I was blind before I saw the world through your eyes
Oh, woah, woah, woah, woo-hoo
If you get lonely, think of this only
Heaven hasn't forgotten about you
Though you can't hold me, pick up and phone me
Use your one phone call on your ex-girl, boo
I won't tell a single soul how you spend your nights
In that single cell, holding your pillow tight
If you really are afraid, then you ought to know
That you're the one I want, the one I want forevermore
Living without you's like TV in black and white
You turned me on and brought color into my life
When I'm around you, suddenly, I realize
That I was blind before I saw the world through your eyes
I know you get scared sometimes, boy
Nothing to be feared when you're in my heart
Troubles come in threes, but in your case
They came in millions and trillions, but that's all right
Living without you's like TV in black and white
You turned me on and brought color into my life
When I'm around you, suddenly, I realize
That I was blind before I saw the world through your eyes
Like TV in black and white
Like TV in black and white
Like TV in black and white
Like TV in black and white
"Living Without You" demo[]
If you get lonely, darling, just hold me
Prison isn't going to keep me from you
Do like you told me, pick up and phone me
Use your one phone call on your ex-love, boo
Nobody will have to know that our love's alive
Keep it on the low if you want to hide
I got the same address that you left behind
On Greenwich Avenue, wishin' and dreamin' of you
Living without you's like TV in black and white
Dark when I found you, touched me and turned on the light
When I'm around you, suddenly, I realize
That I was blind before I saw the world through your eyes
If you get lonely, think of this only
Heaven hasn't forgotten about you
Remember Coney Island and how we'd
Wade into the waves until the water's blue?
I won't tell a single soul that you cry at night
Sit in single cells, holdin' that pillow tight
Baby, think of home, it will be all right
If you feel sad, remember what we have
Living without you's like TV in black and white
Dark when I found you, touched me to turn on the light
When I'm around you, suddenly, I realize
That I was blind before I saw the world through your eyes
Bein' without you's like winter with no reprieve
Summer, I found you, flowers blooming, I believe
That I have found true love, I hope you never leave, never leave
So dry your eyes, dry your eyes
No bad surprises left in store for you
And, when you get home, you can change the tides
And start anew, start anew, new, new, new, new
Living without you's like TV in black and white
Dark when I found you, touch me to turn on the light
When I'm around you, suddenly, I realize
That I was blind before I saw the world through your eyes
References[]
- ↑ Kawashima, Dale (June 11, 2015). "'Rick Nowels Interview - Hit Songwriter & Producer'". Songwriter Universe. http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/rick-nowels-2015.htm. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
- ↑ Celebrity Snapchat Diaries (July 27, 2017). "Lana Del Rey | Instagram Live Stream | 27 July 2017". YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_uPbknbxcc. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
Notes[]
- ↑ This is speculation and should not be relied upon. It has not been confirmed by any official sources, but has been reported by Eclipse, who is considered a reliable insider by the community.
- ↑ This is speculation and should not be relied upon. It has not been confirmed by any official sources, but has been reported by Eclipse, who is considered a reliable insider by the community.
- ↑ This is speculation and should not be relied upon. It has not been confirmed by any official sources, but has been reported by Eclipse, who is considered a reliable insider by the community.