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|previous = "[[Blue Jeans (song)|Blue Jeans]]"
  
|previous = "[[Blue Jeans (song)|Blue Jeans]]"
 
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|next = "[[Diet Mountain Dew (song)|Diet Mountain Dew]]"
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{{Wikipedia|Video Games (song)}}
  
{{Wikipedia|Video Games (song)}}
   
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"'''Video Games'''" is a song written by [[Lana Del Rey]] and [[Justin Parker]] and produced by [[Robopop]] in 2011. Taken from Del Rey's first major-label album ''[[Born to Die (album)|Born to Die]]'', the song served as the album's first and lead single worldwide and is credited for the launch of Del Rey's international success. The song was officially released as a single on October 7, 2011.
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"'''Video Games'''" is a song written by [[Lana Del Rey]] and [[Justin Parker]] and produced by [[Robopop]] in 2011. Taken from Del Rey's first major-label album ''[[Born to Die (album)|Born to Die]]'', the song served as the album's first and lead single worldwide and is credited for the launch of Del Rey's international success. The song was officially released as a single on [[2011/October|October 7, 2011]], as her debut single.
   
 
==Writing and inspiration==
  
==Writing and inspiration==
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The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker in the same sessions as "[[Blue Jeans (song)|Blue Jeans]]". It was written about how Del Rey watched her then-boyfriend play video games. She has stated that it is a statement about her putting her musical career on hold for him. When creating the song, Del Rey had no plans for it to be released as a single, as she assumed it would struggle to gain traction.
 +
The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker in the same sessions as "[[Blue Jeans (song)|Blue Jeans]]" during the summer of 2010. It was written about how Del Rey watched her then-boyfriend play video games. In an interview for British online magazine The Quietus, Del Rey stated that the inspiration for the song came from her ex-boyfriend, commenting, "I think we came together because we were both outsiders. It was perfect. But I think with that contentment also comes sadness. There was something heavenly about that life – we'd go to work and he'd play his video games – but also it was maybe too regular.<ref>http://thequietus.com/articles/07106-lana-del-rey-interview</ref> "She has stated that it is a statement about her putting her musical career on hold for him. When creating the song, Del Rey had no plans for it to be released as a single, as she assumed it would struggle to gain traction.
  +
  +
Josh Kemp, one of Del Rey's supposed ex-boyfriends is said to have the been the inspiration behind the song as rumored for years. He seemingly alluded to the fact that it was his obsession with World of Warcraft that led to the writing of the song. On Instagram he shared a live recording of Del Rey performing the track and commented, “When your World of Warcraft addiction turns from self deprecating, anti-social depression into iconic and legendary... embrace your darkness...you never know who’s watching.”<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ffV0DnxQQ/ Josh Kemp on "Video Games" via Instagram]</ref> Del Rey has also mentioned that all the men in her life have been consumed by World of Warcraft in a 2012 interview with MTV Buzzworthy.<ref>[https://youtu.be/aneY-9yCKfA?t=94 Lana Del Rey for MTV Buzzworthy]</ref>
   
 
==Composition==
  
==Composition==
−
Musically, "Video Games" is an down-tempo ballad song with highly orchestrated instrumentation. It is composed in the key of F♯ minor, and is in common time with a tempo of around 60 beats per minute. Instrumentally, the song features pizzicato strings, swathing strings, harps, and violins. The song lacks any major percussion instruments, but does feature minor thumping in the latter half. Del Rey's vocals range from E3 to A4, and the song showcases her using a lower vocal range than she had used previously. The crescendos, as well as feathery backing vocals create a subdued and haunting atmosphere that was praised by critics.
 +
Musically, "Video Games" is an down-tempo ballad song with highly orchestrated instrumentation. It is composed in the key of F♯ minor, and is in common time with a tempo of around 60 beats per minute. Instrumentally, the song features pizzicato strings, swathing strings, harps, and violins. The song lacks any major percussion instruments, but does feature minor thumping in the latter half. Del Rey's vocals range from E<sub>3</sub> to A<sub>4</sub>, and the song showcases her using a lower vocal range than she had used previously. The crescendos, as well as feathery backing vocals create a subdued and haunting atmosphere that was praised by critics. Both official (wet one) and dry (with unaltered vocals) a cappellas were leaked on July 30, 2018.
  +
  +
==Critical reception==
  +
"Video Games" was met with critical acclaim from music critics. Following the release of the single, Ian Cohen dubbed the song "Best New Music" on Pitchfork Mediacommenting, "on her stirring debut single, New York singer-songwriter Lizzy Grant transforms into the more bombastically named Lana Del Rey and absolutely wallows in it."<ref>http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/12276-video-games/</ref> Digital Spy writer Robert Copsey noted Del Rey "combines a near-identical [Nancy Sinatra] vocal with her own fascination for the tragically glamorous — or 'Hollywood sadcore' as she succinctly labels it."<ref>http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a342509/lana-del-rey-video-games-single-review.html</ref> Lewis Corner, also of Digital Spy, said, "New York-born, London-based Lana Del Rey is currently working on her debut album, but if this newly released preview track/video is anything to go by, it's going to be avant-garde pop at its very best."<ref>http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a318491/playlist-10-tracks-you-need-to-hear.html</ref> Alexis Petridis of ''The Guardian'' considered "Video Games" the best song of 2011 and added, "it's tempting to say with a song that good it doesn't matter who sings it, but that's not strictly true. As pop divas who collaborate with Eg White go, Lana Del Rey sounds hugely understated."<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2011/dec/19/best-song-2011-lana-del-rey</ref>
  +
  +
In a poll performed by ''NME'', readers ranked it as the tenth best song of the year.<ref>http://www.nme.com/ratemy/253447/song-of-the-year-2011/item/254089</ref> Maura Johnston of ''The Village Voice'', however, called the song and the accompanying music video overproduced,<ref>http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2011/09/lana_del_rey_secret_show_glasslands.php</ref> while ''New York'' magazine contributor Amanda Dobbis commented that "it's hard to totally separate Del Rey's looks from the criticism that's been bubbling around her."<ref>http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/09/lana_del_rey.html</ref> In responses to this controversy, ''Paste'' '​s Luke Larson said, "when 'Video Games' first hit the web, people weren’t freaking out about Lana Del Rey or fake lips or [[Lizzy Grant]]. People were freaking out because they had stumbled upon a fresh voice and a beautifully written song and ultimately, does the rest really matter?"<ref>http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2011/11/the-50-best-songs-of-2011.html</ref> Krystina Nellis of Drowned in Sound said the single reminded her of something from a David Lynch movie.<ref>http://drownedinsound.com/releases/16769/reviews/4144405?search</ref>
  +
  +
''The Village Voice'' '​s Pazz & Jop annual critics' poll ranked "Video Games" at number seven to find the best music of 2011, tied with Britney Spears's "Till the World Ends". The British magazine ''NME'' named "Video Games" the best single of 2011. In 2018, "Video Games" was listed as #13 on National Public Radio's '200 Greatest Songs by 21st Century Women' list.<ref>[https://www.npr.org/2018/07/30/627400055/turning-the-tables-the-200-greatest-songs-by-21st-century-women-part-10 National Public Radio, Inc. (July 30, 2018). "The 200 Greatest Songs By 21st Century Women+". ''NPR'']</ref> ''Pitchfork'' placed "Video Games" at #9 on their '200 Best Songs of the 2010s' list in 2019.<ref>[https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-200-best-songs-of-the-2010s/ Pitchfork Media Inc.'' ''(October 7, 2019). "The 200 Best Songs of the 2010s". ''Pitchfork'']</ref> "Video Games" also won 'Song of the Decade' award at the 2019 Q Awards.
   
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==Reference in popular culture==
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== Use in media ==
 
*The song was used in an episode of the CW show, ''Ringer'', ''"If You Ever Want a French Lesson..."''. It is often highlighted as a proponent to the launch of Del Rey's career.
  
*The song was used in an episode of the CW show, ''Ringer'', ''"If You Ever Want a French Lesson..."''. It is often highlighted as a proponent to the launch of Del Rey's career.
 
*A remixed version of the song in the ''666 Park Avenue'' episode ''"The Dead Don't Stay Dead."''
  
*A remixed version of the song in the ''666 Park Avenue'' episode ''"The Dead Don't Stay Dead."''
  +
*The song was used in the TV show ''Gossip Girl'' episode ''"I Am Number Nine" ''(Season 5, Episode 6).
   
 
==Cross-references==
  
==Cross-references==
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*"Take that body downtown" is a phrase Del Rey uses often in her work, such as "[[National Anthem (song)|National Anthem]]".
 +
*"Take that body downtown" is a lyric also found in "[[National Anthem (song)|National Anthem]]".
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*"Heaven is on Earth" are also lyrics from "Ultraviolence", and is similar to "Heaven is a place called Earth on your arm" from "[[Match Made In Heaven (song)|Match Made In Heaven]]"
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*Different variations of the lyric "heaven is a place on Earth with you" can be found in other songs. "Heaven is on Earth" is a phrase in "[[Ultraviolence (song)|Ultraviolence]]", "heaven is a place called Earth on your arm" from "[[Match Made in Heaven (song)|Match Made in Heaven]]" and "don't you want heaven here on earth?" from "[[Put Your Lips Together (song)|Put Your Lips Together]]".
  +
*Certain lyrics from the song were originally recorded in "[[Is It Wrong (song)|Is It Wrong]]".
  +
*The song is part of the "[[K]]" trilogy with the album ''[[Born to Die (album)|Born to Die]]''.'' ''The other two songs are "[[Born to Die (song)|Born to Die]]" and "[[Blue Jeans (song)|Blue Jeans]]".
  +
*"I'm in his favorite sundress" is similar to a lyric found in "[[On Our Way (song)|On Our Way]]".
   
  +
==Music video==
−
*Certain lyrics from the song were originally recorded in an unreleased song by Lana in 2010, "[[Is It Wrong (song)|Is It Wrong]]".
  
  +
{{infobox mvideo
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*The song is part of the K trilogy.
  
  +
|video = Lana Del Rey - Video Games
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|released =August 19, 2011 & October 16, 2011
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|length= 4:46
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|director = [[Lana Del Rey]]
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|producer = Lana Del Rey
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|filmed= Unknown, 2011
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|location= Unknown
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|vevo views= 201+ Million views
  +
}}
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{{infobox mvideo
  +
|video = Lana_Del_Rey_-_Video_Games_(original_version)
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|released = July, 2011
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|length = 4:52
  +
|director = [[Lana Del Rey]]
  +
|producer = Lana Del Rey
  +
|filmed = Unknown, 2011
  +
|location = Unknown
  +
|vevo views = N/A
  +
}}
  +
{{infobox mvideo
  +
|video = Video Games (Original Version 2)
  +
|released = July, 2011
  +
|length = 4:52
  +
|director = [[Lana Del Rey]]
  +
|producer = Lana Del Rey
  +
|filmed = Unknown, 2011
  +
|location = Unknown
  +
|vevo views = N/A
  +
}}
   
  +
==== Background ====
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==Critical reception==
  
  +
After recording videos for the tracks from ''[[Lana Del Ray (album)|Lana Del Ray]]'' in the same style, Del Rey continued by recording this one and interlacing clips of her with old films, cartoons, paparazzi footage, and nature clips to create the video. The first two original videos, released in July of 2011, were removed and reformatted using some new clips once Del Rey was signed to [[Stranger Records|Stranger]], due to copyright issues. Del Rey posted the video on her personal YouTube channel on August 19, 2011, and it was posted to her Vevo channel on October 16, 2011.
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"Video Games" was met with critical acclaim from music critics. Following the release of the single, Ian Cohen dubbed the song "Best New Music" on Pitchfork Mediacommenting, "on her stirring debut single, New York singer-songwriter Lizzy Grant transforms into the more bombastically named Lana Del Rey and absolutely wallows in it."<ref>http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/12276-video-games/</ref> Digital Spy writer Robert Copsey noted Del Rey "combines a near-identical [Nancy Sinatra] vocal with her own fascination for the tragically glamorous — or 'Hollywood sadcore' as she succinctly labels it."<ref>http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a342509/lana-del-rey-video-games-single-review.html</ref> Lewis Corner, also of Digital Spy, said, "New York-born, London-based Lana Del Rey is currently working on her debut album, but if this newly released preview track/video is anything to go by, it's going to be avant-garde pop at its very best."<ref>http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a318491/playlist-10-tracks-you-need-to-hear.html</ref> Alexis Petridis of ''The Guardian'' considered "Video Games" the best song of 2011 and added, "it's tempting to say with a song that good it doesn't matter who sings it, but that's not strictly true. As pop divas who collaborate with Eg White go, Lana Del Rey sounds hugely understated."<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2011/dec/19/best-song-2011-lana-del-rey</ref>
  
   
  +
==== Description ====
−
In a poll performed by ''NME'', readers ranked it as the tenth best song of the year.<ref>http://www.nme.com/ratemy/253447/song-of-the-year-2011/item/254089</ref> Maura Johnston of ''The Village Voice'', however, called the song and the accompanying music video overproduced,<ref>http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2011/09/lana_del_rey_secret_show_glasslands.php</ref> while ''New York'' magazine contributor Amanda Dobbis commented that "it's hard to totally separate Del Rey's looks from the criticism that's been bubbling around her."<ref>http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/09/lana_del_rey.html</ref> In responses to this controversy, ''Paste'' '​s Luke Larson said, "when 'Video Games' first hit the web, people weren’t freaking out about Lana Del Rey or fake lips or [[Lizzy Grant]]. People were freaking out because they had stumbled upon a fresh voice and a beautifully written song and ultimately, does the rest really matter?"<ref>http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2011/11/the-50-best-songs-of-2011.html</ref> Krystina Nellis of Drowned in Sound said the single reminded her of something from a David Lynch movie.<ref>http://drownedinsound.com/releases/16769/reviews/4144405?search</ref>
  
  +
The video shows Del Rey, with her hair in a similar style to that of Jackie Kennedy, wearing a white top and a yellow & black shirt, and shows her with various colorizations added to her shots. The clips in the video show San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, amongst others, as well as specific shots of the Chateau Marmont and various billboards around L.A. A prominent scene featured throughout the video is that of an intoxicated Paz De La Huerta, an actress, stumbling. Many scenes of a man and woman on a moped, dancing, kissing, and jumping in a pool are a main focus of the video. The original video also included many shots of cartoons and orchestras, but these were removed in the final edition.
   
  +
==Official versions==
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''The Village Voice'' '​s Pazz & Jop annual critics' poll ranked "Video Games" at number seven to find the best music of 2011, tied with Britney Spears's "Till the World Ends". The British magazine ''NME'' named "Video Games" the best single of 2011.
  
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*Album version — 4:42
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*Remastered version — 4:41
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*Unmastered version — 4:06
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*Radio edit — 4:01
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*Demo version — 3:55
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*Music video version — 4:46
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*Instrumental version — 4:45
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*Dry a cappella version — 4:26
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*A cappella version — 4:45
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*Unmastered demo — 4:32
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*DJ version — 5:12<ref>ISRC: GBUM71107879</ref>
   
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==Lyrics==
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==Commercial performance==
  
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===Album version===
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* Weekly charts:
  
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{{Scroll box
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The song was a big succcess in Europe. The song peaked number 1 in Germany, Luxembourg and Slovakia.<ref>http://www.officialcharts.de/song.asp?artist=Lana+Del+Rey&title=Video+Games&cat=s&country=de</ref><ref>http://www.billboard.com/artist/306420/lana+del+rey/chart?f=913</ref><ref>http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparadask/index.php?hitp=R</ref> It reached number 2 in Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia),<ref>http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Lana+Del+Rey&titel=Video+Games&cat=s</ref><ref>http://www.ultratop.be/fr/showitem.asp?interpret=Lana+Del+Rey&titel=Video+Games&cat=s</ref> Austria, France and Switzerland.<ref>http://www.austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Lana+Del+Rey&titel=Video+Games&cat=s</ref><ref>http://www.lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Lana+Del+Rey&titel=Video+Games&cat=s</ref><ref>http://www.swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Lana+Del+Rey&titel=Video+Games&cat=s</ref> It peaked number 3 in Czech Republic,<ref>http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparada/index.php?hitp=R</ref> and number 5 in Portugal and Poland.<ref>http://www.billboard.com/artist/306420/lana+del+rey/chart?f=806</ref><ref>http://bestsellery.zpav.pl/airplays/top/archiwum.php?year=2012&idlisty=617#title</ref> It reached 9 in UK being her highest peak, 1 in UK Indie,<ref>http://www.officialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/1/2011-10-29/</ref><ref>http://www.officialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/12/2012-01-21/</ref> 6 in Ireland and 10 in Scotland.<ref>http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2012&year=2012&week=05</ref><ref>http://www.officialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/22/2011-10-29/</ref> In America "Video Games" reached 91 in US and 72 in Canada.<ref>http://www.billboard.com/artist/306420/Lana+Del+Rey/chart?f=379</ref><ref>http://www.billboard.com/artist/306420/Lana+Del+Rey/chart?f=793</ref> It also peaked 21 in Japan being her highest peak.<ref>http://www.billboard.com/artist/306420/Lana+Del+Rey/chart?f=848</ref> In Australia the single reached number 23 <ref>http://www.australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Lana+Del+Rey&titel=Video+Games&cat=s</ref> and in Brazil it reached 2 in the Hot 100 and 3 in the Hot Pop Songs chart.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Brasil</ref>
  
  +
|content=<poem>
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* Year-end charts:
  
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Swinging in the backyard, pull up in your fast car
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In 2011, the song reached number 40 in Belgium (Flanders), 60 in France, 19 in Germany and 32 in Netherlands.<ref>http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2011&cat=s</ref><ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20120921052441/http://www.snepmusique.com/fr/pag-259376-Classements-Annuels.html</ref><ref>http://www.mtv.de/charts/Single_Jahrescharts_2011</ref><ref>http://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2011&cat=s</ref> In 2012, the song peaked 15 in Belgium (Flanders), 16 in Belgium (Wallonia),<ref>http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2012</ref><ref>http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2012&cat=a</ref> 7 in France, 33 in Germany and 87 in UK.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20130728075636/http://www.snepmusique.com/fr/pag-259376-Classements-Annuels.html?</ref><ref>http://www.viva.tv/charts/52-top-100-jahrescharts-2012</ref><ref>http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-singles-chart/20120108/37501/</ref>
  
  +
Whistling my name
−
* All-time charts:
  
−
"Video Games" reached 38 in France.<ref>http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-singles-chart/20120108/37501/</ref>
  
   
  +
Open up a beer
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==Certifications==
  
  +
And you say get over here
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"Video Games" was certified 'Platinum' in Australia, Austria and Belgium with sales of 70,000, 30,000 and 30,000 copies respectively.<ref>http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesSINGLEaccreds2012.htm</ref><ref>http://www.ifpi.at/?section=goldplatin</ref><ref>http://www.ultratop.be/nl/goud-platina/2011</ref> It was certified 'Gold' in Canada, Italy, and United States with sales of 40,000, 15,000 and 500,000 copies respectively.<ref>http://musiccanada.com/gold-platinum/?fwp_gp_search=%22Video+Games%22%20%22Lana+Del+Rey%22</ref><ref>http://www.fimi.it/certificazioni/</ref><ref>http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Video+Games%22</ref> In Germany, it was certified 3x Gold with sales of 450,000 copies.<ref>http://www.musikindustrie.de/no_cache/gold_platin_datenbank/?action=suche&strTitel=Video+Games&strInterpret=Lana+Del+Rey&strTtArt=alle&strAwards=checked</ref> In France, the single sold 177,000 copies, becoming certified 'Platinum'.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20130116002858/http://www.infodisc.fr/Ventes_Single12.php</ref> It was certified 2x Platinum in Switzerland, with sales of 60,000 copies.<ref>http://www.swisscharts.com/search_certifications.asp?search=Lana+Del+Rey+Video+Games</ref> In the UK, "Video Games" sold +600,000 copies, and it was certified 'Platinum'.<ref>http://www.bpi.co.uk/certified-awards/search.aspx</ref>
  
  +
And play a video game
   
  +
I'm in his favorite sundress
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<nowiki> </nowiki>In December 2015, the official VEVO music video for "Video Games"'' ''became VEVO certified, with over 100 million views.<ref>http://www.vevo.com/watch/lana-del-rey/video-games/GBUV71101634</ref>
 
  +
Watching me get undressed
  +
Take that body downtown
   
  +
I say you the bestest
−
==Official versions==
  
  +
Lean in for a big kiss
−
*Album version 4:42
  
  +
Put his favorite perfume on
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*Remastered version 4:41
  
−
*Radio edit 4:01
  
−
*Demo version 3:55
  
−
*Video version 4:46
  
   
  +
Go play a video game
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==[[Remixes]]==
  
  +
−
*Club Clique For The Bad Girls Remix 5:00
  
  +
It's you, it's you, it's all for you
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*Helium Robots Remix 4:52
  
  +
Everything I do
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*Jakwob & Etherwood Remix 3:43
  
  +
I tell you all the time
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*Jamie Woon Remix 5:14
  
  +
Heaven is a place on earth with you
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*Joy Orbison Remix 5:00
  
  +
Tell me all the things you wanna do
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*Larry "Mr. Fingers" Heard Remix 9:01
  
  +
I heard that you like the bad girls honey, is that true?
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*Larry "Mr. Fingers" Heard Edit 9:00
  
  +
It's better than I ever even knew
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*Omid 16B Remix 5:14
  
  +
They say that the world was built for two
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*Omid 16B Radio Edit 4:07
  
  +
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
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*Omid 16B Instrumental Mix 5:08
  
  +
Baby now you do
−
*Omid 16B Instrumental Reprise 2:35
  
  +
−
*Rainer Weichhold & Nick Olivetti Clubmix
  
  +
Singing in the old bars
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*We Don't Belong In Pancha Remix 5:20
  
  +
Swinging with the old stars
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*White Lies C-Mix 7:34
  
  +
Living for the fame
  +
Kissing in the blue dark
  +
Playing pool and wild darts and video games
  +
He holds me in his big arms
  +
Drunk and I am seeing stars
  +
This is all I think of
  +
  +
Watching all our friends fall in and out of Old Paul's
  +
This is my idea of fun
  +
Playing video games
  +
</poem>
  +
}}
  +
  +
===Radio edit===
  +
{{Scroll box
  +
|content=<poem>
  +
Swinging in the backyard, pull up in your fast car
  +
Whistling my name
  +
  +
Open up a beer
  +
And you say "get over here,
  +
And play a video game."
  +
  +
I'm in his favorite sundress
  +
Watching me get undressed
  +
Take that body downtown
  +
  +
I say you the bestest
  +
Lean in for a big kiss
  +
Put his favorite perfume on
  +
  +
Go play a video game
  +
  +
It's you, it's you, it's all for you
  +
Everything I do
  +
I tell you all the time
  +
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
  +
Tell me all the things you wanna do
  +
I heard that you like the bad girls honey, is that true?
  +
It's better than I ever even knew
  +
They say that the world was built for two
  +
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
  +
Baby now you do
  +
  +
Singing in the old bars
  +
Swinging with the old stars
  +
Living for the fame
  +
Kissing in the blue dark
  +
Playing pool and wild darts and video games
  +
  +
He holds me in his big arms
  +
Drunk and I am seeing stars
  +
This is all I think of
  +
  +
Watching all our friends fall in and out of Old Paul's
  +
This is my idea of fun
  +
Playing video games
  +
  +
It's you, it's you, it's all for you
  +
Everything I do
  +
I tell you all the time
  +
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
  +
Tell me all the things you wanna do
  +
I heard that you like the bad girls honey, is that true?
  +
It's better than I ever even knew
  +
They say that the world was built for two
  +
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
  +
Baby now you do
  +
  +
(Now-now you do, now you do, now you do)
  +
  +
It's you, it's you, it's all for you
  +
Everything I do
  +
I tell you all the time
  +
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
  +
Tell me all the things you wanna do
  +
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
  +
Baby now you do
  +
  +
(Now-now you do, now you do, now you do)
  +
</poem>
  +
}}
  +
  +
===Demo version===
  +
{{Scroll box
  +
|content=<poem>
  +
Swinging in the backyard
  +
Pull up in your fast car
  +
Whistling my name
  +
You open up a beer
  +
And you say "get over here,
  +
And play my video game."
  +
  +
I'm in his favorite sundress
  +
Watching me get all dressed
  +
We gonna go downtown
  +
I say you're the best best
  +
Lean in for a big kiss
  +
Put his favorite perfume on
  +
Go play your video game
  +
  +
It's you, it's you, it's all for you
  +
Everything I do
  +
I tell you all the time
  +
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
  +
Tell me all the things you wanna do
  +
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
  +
It's better than I ever even knew
  +
They say that the world was built for two
  +
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
  +
And baby, now you do, mm
  +
  +
Singing in the old bars
  +
Swinging with the old stars
  +
Living for the fame
  +
Kissing in the blue dark
  +
Playing pool and wild darts
  +
Video games
  +
  +
He holds me in his big arms
  +
Drunk and I am seeing stars
  +
This is all I think of
  +
Watching all our friends fall
  +
In and out of Old Paul's
  +
This is my idea of fun
  +
Playing video games
  +
  +
It's you, it's you, it's all for you
  +
Everything I do
  +
I tell you all the time
  +
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
  +
Tell me all the things you wanna do
  +
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
  +
It's better than I ever even knew
  +
They say that the world was built for two
  +
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
  +
And baby, now you do
  +
  +
It's you, it's you, it's all for you
  +
Everything I do
  +
I tell you all the time
  +
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
  +
Tell me all the things you wanna do
  +
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
  +
It's better than I ever even knew
  +
They say that the world was built for two
  +
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
  +
And baby, now you do
  +
</poem>
  +
}}
   
 
==Commercial release==
  
==Commercial release==
 
===Physical releases===
  
===Physical releases===
−
====United Kingdom (2783433)====
 +
;'''United Kingdom (2783433)'''
−
'''(45RPM)'''{{Template:Discobox
 +
(45RPM)
  +
{{Template:Discobox
 
|image = VG Picture Vinyl.jpeg
  
|image = VG Picture Vinyl.jpeg
 
|glabel = [[Stranger Records|Stranger]]
  
|glabel = [[Stranger Records|Stranger]]
Line 87: Line 301:
 
|gcode = 00602527834337
  
|gcode = 00602527834337
 
|gphotog = Nicole Nodland
  
|gphotog = Nicole Nodland
−
|gdesign = Unknown}}{{Template:Tracklist
 +
|gdesign = Unknown}}
  +
{{Template:Tracklist
 
|collapsed = no
  
|collapsed = no
 
|title1 = Video Games
  
|title1 = Video Games
Line 95: Line 310:
 
|length2 = 3:31}}
  
|length2 = 3:31}}
   
−
====United States (INTR-12733-2)====
 +
;'''United States (INTR-12733-2)'''
 
{{Template:Discobox
  
{{Template:Discobox
 
|image = VG Single.jpg
  
|image = VG Single.jpg
Line 103: Line 318:
 
|gcode = 602527893242
  
|gcode = 602527893242
 
|gphotog = Nicole Nodland
  
|gphotog = Nicole Nodland
−
|gdesign = Unknown}}{{Template:Tracklist
 +
|gdesign = Unknown}}
  +
{{Template:Tracklist
 
|collapsed = no
  
|collapsed = no
 
|title1 = Video Games
  
|title1 = Video Games
Line 110: Line 326:
 
|title2 = Blue Jeans
  
|title2 = Blue Jeans
 
|length2 = 3:31}}
  
|length2 = 3:31}}
  +
−
====United States (INTR-12736-7)====
  
  +
;United States (INTR-12736-7)
−
'''(45RPM)'''
  
  +
(45RPM)
 
{{Template:Discobox
  
{{Template:Discobox
 
|image = VG Vinyl.jpg
  
|image = VG Vinyl.jpg
Line 119: Line 336:
 
|gcode = TBA
  
|gcode = TBA
 
|gphotog = Nicole Nodland
  
|gphotog = Nicole Nodland
−
|gdesign = Unknown}}{{Template:Tracklist
 +
|gdesign = Unknown}}
  +
{{Template:Tracklist
 
|collapsed = no
  
|collapsed = no
 
|title1 = Video Games
  
|title1 = Video Games
 
|note1 = Joy Orbison Remix
  
|note1 = Joy Orbison Remix
−
|length1 = 5:00
 +
|length1 = 5:01
 
|title2 = Blue Jeans
  
|title2 = Blue Jeans
 
|length2 = 4:00|note2 = Odd Future's The Internet Remix}}
  
|length2 = 4:00|note2 = Odd Future's The Internet Remix}}
−  
   
 
===Digital releases===
  
===Digital releases===
  +
;'''Video Games Remixes - EP'''
 
{{Template:Discobox
  
{{Template:Discobox
 
|image = VG Remixes EP.jpg
  
|image = VG Remixes EP.jpg
Line 136: Line 354:
 
|gcode = None
  
|gcode = None
 
|gphotog = Nicole Nodland
  
|gphotog = Nicole Nodland
−
|gdesign = Unknown}}{{Template:Tracklist
 +
|gdesign = Unknown}}
  +
{{Template:Tracklist
 
|collapsed = no
  
|collapsed = no
 
|title1 = Video Games
  
|title1 = Video Games
Line 153: Line 372:
 
|length5 = 5:19}}
  
|length5 = 5:19}}
   
  +
==[[Remixes|Official remixes]]==
−
==Music video==
  
  +
*Adrian Lux & Blende Remix — 6:03<ref>ISRC: GBUM71203657</ref>
−
{{infobox mvideo
  
  +
*Adrian Lux & Blende Remix Radio Edit — 2:42<ref>ISRC: GBUM71203658</ref>
−
|video = Lana Del Rey - Video Games
  
  +
*Bassflow Remake — 3:53<ref>ISRC: GBUM71203875</ref>
−
|released =July, 2011
 
  +
*Club Clique For The Bad Girls Remix — 5:00
−
|length= 4:46
  
  +
*Helium Robots Remix — 4:52
−
|director = [[Lana Del Rey]]
  
  +
*Jakwob & Etherwood Remix — 3:43
−
|producer = Lana Del Rey
  
  +
*Jamie Woon Remix — 5:14
−
|filmed= Unknown, 2011
  
  +
*Joy Orbison Remix — 5:01
−
|location= Unknown
  
  +
*Larry "Mr. Fingers" Heard Remix — 9:01
−
|vevo views= 148+ Million views
  
  +
*Larry "Mr. Fingers" Heard Edit — 9:00
−
}}
  
  +
*Omid 16B Remix — 5:14
  +
*Omid 16B Radio Edit — 4:07
  +
*Omid 16B Instrumental Mix — 5:08
  +
*Omid 16B Instrumental Reprise — 2:35
  +
*Rainer Weichhold & Nick Olivetti Clubmix — 7:42
  +
*We Don't Belong In Pancha Remix — 5:20
  +
*White Lies C-Mix — 7:34
   
  +
==Promotional releases==
−
{{infobox mvideo
  
  +
{{VGPromo}}
−
|video = Lana_Del_Rey_-_Video_Games_(original_version)
  
−
|released = July, 2011
  
−
|length = 4:52
  
−
|director = [[Lana Del Rey]]
  
−
|producer = Lana Del Rey
  
−
|filmed = Unknown, 2011
  
−
|location = Unknown
  
−
|vevo views = N/A
  
−
}}
  
   
  +
==Credits==
−
{{infobox mvideo
  
  +
;'''Personnel'''
−
|video = LANA_DEL_REY_-_VIDEO_GAMES_(MUSIC_VIDEO_1_OF_3)
  
  +
*Lana Del Rey — vocals, songwriting
−
|released = July, 2011
  
  +
*Justin Parker — songwriting
−
|length = 4:52
  
  +
*Robopop — production, mixing
−
|director = [[Lana Del Rey]]
  
  +
*John Davis — mastering
−
|producer = Lana Del Rey
  
  +
;Technical
−
|filmed = Unknown, 2011
  
  +
*Published by EMI / Sony ATV (ASCAP)
−
|location = Unknown
  
  +
*Mastered at Metropolis Mastering, London, United Kingdom
−
|vevo views = N/A
  
−
}}
  
   
  +
==Charts==
−
==== Background ====
  
  +
{| class="" style="background-color:transparent; color:inherit; width:100%;"
−
After recording videos for the tracks from ''[[Lana Del Ray (album)|Lana Del Ray]]'' in the same style, Del Rey continued by recording this one and interlacing clips of her with old films, cartoons, paparazzi footage, and nature clips to create the video. The first two original videos, released in July of 2011, were removed and reformatted using some new clips once Del Rey was signed to [[Stranger Records|Stranger]], due to copyright issues. Del Rey posted the video on her personal YouTube channel on August 19, 2011, and it was posted to her VEVO channel on October 16, 2011.
  
  +
|-
  +
| valign="top" style="width:50%;" |
   
−
==== Description ====
 +
=== Weekly charts ===
  +
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
−
The video shows Del Rey, with her hair in a similar style to that of Jackie Kennedy, wearing a white top and a yellow & black shirt, and shows her with various colorizations added to her shots. The clips in the video show San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, amongst others, as well as specific shots of the Chateau Marmont and various billboards around L.A. A prominent scene featured throughout the video is that of an intoxicated Paz De La Huerta, an actress, stumbling. Many scenes of a man and woman on a moped, dancing, kissing, and jumping in a pool are a main focus of the video. The original video also included many shots of cartoons and orchestras, but these were removed in the final edition.
  
  +
|-
  +
!Chart (2011–12)
  +
!Peak<br />position
  +
|-
  +
!Australia (ARIA)
  +
|23
  +
|-
  +
!Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)
  +
|2
  +
|-
  +
!Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)
  +
|2
  +
|-
  +
!Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)
  +
|2
  +
|-
  +
!Brazil (Billboard Hot 100)
  +
|2
  +
|-
  +
!Brazil (Billboard Hot Pop Songs)
  +
|3
  +
|-
  +
!Canada (Canadian Hot 100)
  +
|72
  +
|-
  +
!Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100)
  +
|3
  +
|-
  +
!Denmark (Tracklisten)
  +
|18
  +
|-
  +
!Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)
  +
|14
  +
|-
  +
!France (SNEP)
  +
|2
  +
|-
  +
!Germany (Official German Charts)
  +
|1
  +
|-
  +
!Ireland (IRMA)
  +
|6
  +
|-
  +
!Italy (FIMI)
  +
|27
  +
|-
  +
!Luxembourg Digital Songs
  +
|1
  +
|-
  +
!Japan (Japan Hot 100)
  +
|21
  +
|-
  +
!Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
  +
|11
  +
|-
  +
!Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)
  +
|5
  +
|-
  +
!Portugal Digital Songs
  +
|5
  +
|-
  +
!Scotland (Official Charts Company)
  +
|10
  +
|-
  +
!Scotland (Official Charts Company)
  +
|10
  +
|-
  +
!Spain (PROMUSICAE)
  +
|33
  +
|-
  +
!Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)
  +
|56
  +
|-
  +
!Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)
  +
|2
  +
|-
  +
!UK Singles (Official Charts Company)
  +
|9
  +
|-
  +
!UK Indie (Official Charts Company)
  +
|1
  +
|-
  +
!US ''Billboard'' Hot 100
  +
|91
  +
|-
  +
!US Adult Alternative Songs (''Billboard'')
  +
|15
  +
|}
  +
{{col-2}}
   
−
==== Look #1 ====
 +
=== Year-end charts ===
  +
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
−
<gallery widths="80" orientation="landscape" spacing="small">
  
  +
|-
−
LANA_DEL_REY-VIDEO_GAMES_042.jpg
  
  +
!Chart (2011)
−
LANA_DEL_REY-VIDEO_GAMES_289.jpg
  
  +
!Position
−
</gallery>
  
  +
|-
  +
!Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)
  +
|40
  +
|-
  +
!France (SNEP)
  +
|60
  +
|-
  +
!Germany (Media Control Charts)
  +
|19
  +
|-
  +
!Netherlands (Mega Single Top 100)
  +
|32
  +
|}
   
  +
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
−
==== Look #2 ====
  
  +
|-
−
<gallery widths="80" orientation="landscape" spacing="small">
  
  +
!Chart (2012)
−
LANA_DEL_REY-VIDEO_GAMES_076.jpg
  
  +
!Position
−
LANA_DEL_REY-VIDEO_GAMES_345.jpg
  
  +
|-
−
LANA_DEL_REY-VIDEO_GAMES_220.jpg
  
  +
!Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)
−
LANA_DEL_REY-VIDEO_GAMES_432.jpg
  
  +
| style="text-align:center;"|27
−
LANA_DEL_REY-VIDEO_GAMES_462.jpg
  
  +
|-
−
0FB5E6F8AA1F422FAD0A1EAD06CF6C4C.jpg
  
  +
!Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)
−
</gallery>
  
  +
|15
  +
|-
  +
!Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)
  +
|16
  +
|-
  +
!France (SNEP)
  +
|7
  +
|-
  +
!Germany (Media Control AG)
  +
|33
  +
|-
  +
!Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)
  +
|23
  +
|-
  +
!UK Singles (Official Charts Company)
  +
|87
  +
|}
   
  +
=== All-time charts ===
−
==Lyrics==
  
  +
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
−
===Album version===
  
  +
!Chart
−
{{Scroll box
  
  +
!Position
−
|content=<poem>
  
  +
|-
−
Swinging in the backyard,
  
  +
!IFrance (SNEP)
−
Pull up in your fast car,
  
  +
|38
−
Whistling my name.
  
  +
|}
−
Open up a beer,
  
  +
{{col-end}}
−
And you say "get over here,
  
−
And play a video game."
  
   
  +
==Certifications==
−
I’m in his favorite sundress,
  
  +
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders jquery-tablesorter"
−
Watching me get undressed,
  
  +
!Region
−
Take that body downtown.
  
  +
!Certification
−
I say you the bestest,
  
  +
!Sales/shipments
−
Lean in for a big kiss,
  
  +
|-
−
Put his favorite perfume on.
  
  +
|Australia (ARIA)
−
Go play a video game.
  
  +
|Platinum
−  
  +
|70,000^
−
It’s you, it’s you, it’s all for you,
  
  +
|-
−
Everything I do.
  
  +
|Austria (IFPI Austria)
−
I tell you all the time,
  
  +
|Platinum
−
Heaven is a place on earth with you.
  
  +
|30,000*
−
Tell me all the things you wanna do.
  
  +
|-
−
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
  
  +
|Belgium (BEA)
−
It’s better than I ever even knew.
  
  +
|Platinum
−
They say that the world was built for two.
  
  +
|30,000*
−
Only worth living if somebody is loving you,
  
  +
|-
−
And baby, now you do.
  
  +
|Canada (Music Canada)
−  
  +
|Gold
−
Singing in the old bars,
  
  +
|40,000^
−
Swinging with the old stars,
  
  +
|-
−
Living for the fame.
  
  +
|France (SNEP)
−
Kissing in the blue dark,
  
  +
|Platinum
−
Playing pool and wild darts,
  
  +
|150,000*
−
And video games.
  
  +
|-
−  
  +
|Germany (BVMI)
−
He holds me in his big arms,
  
  +
|3× Gold
−
Drunk and I am seeing stars,
  
  +
|450,000^
−
This is all I think of.
  
  +
|-
−
Watching all our friends fall,
  
  +
|Italy (FIMI)
−
In and out of Old Paul’s.
 
  +
|Gold
−
This is my idea of fun,
 
  +
|15,000*
−
Playing video games.
  
  +
|-
−  
  +
|Italy (FIMI)
−
It’s you, it’s you, it’s all for you.
  
  +
|Gold
−
Everything I do.
  
  +
|25,000*
−
I tell you all the time,
  
  +
|-
−
Heaven is a place on earth with you.
  
  +
|Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)
−
Tell me all the things you wanna do.
  
  +
|3× Platinum
−
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
  
  +
|60,000^
−
It’s better than I ever even knew.
  
  +
|-
−
They say that the world was built for two.
  
  +
|United Kingdom (BPI)
−
Only worth living if somebody is loving you,
  
  +
|Platinum
−
And baby, now you do.
 
  +
|600,000x
−  
  +
|-
−
(Now-now you do, now you do, now you do)
  
  +
|United States (RIAA)
−
(Now-now you do, now you do, now you do)
  
  +
|Gold
−  
  +
|500,000^
−
It’s you, it’s you, it’s all for you.
  
  +
{{Certification Table Bottom}}
−
Everything I do.
  
−
I tell you all the time.
  
−
Heaven is a place on earth with you.
  
−
Tell me all the things you wanna do.
  
−
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
  
−
It’s better than I ever even knew.
  
−
They say that the world was built for two.
  
−
Only worth living if somebody is loving you,
  
−
And baby, now you do.
  
−  
−
(Now-now you do, now you do, now you do)
  
−
Mm, now you do.
  
−
(Now-now you do, now you do, now you do)
  
−
</poem>
  
−
}}
  
−
===Demo version===
  
−
{{Scroll box
  
−
|content=<poem>
  
−
Swinging in the backyard,
  
−
Pull up in your fast car,
  
−
Whistling my name.
  
−
You open up a beer,
  
−
And you say "get over here,
  
−
And play my video game."
  
−  
−
I’m in his favorite sundress,
  
−
Watching me get all dressed,
  
−
We gonna go downtown.
  
−
I say you're the best best,
  
−
Lean in for a big kiss,
  
−
Put his favorite perfume on.
  
−
Go play your video game.
  
−  
−
It’s you, it’s you, it’s all for you,
  
−
Everything I do.
  
−
I tell you all the time,
  
−
Heaven is a place on earth with you.
  
−
Tell me all the things you wanna do.
  
−
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
  
−
It’s better than I ever even knew.
  
−
They say that the world was built for two.
  
−
Only worth living if somebody is loving you,
  
−
And baby, now you do, mm.
  
−  
−
Singing in the old bars,
  
−
Swinging with the old stars,
  
−
Living for the fame.
  
−
Kissing in the blue dark,
  
−
Playing pool and wild darts,
  
−
Video games.
  
−  
−
He holds me in his big arms,
  
−
Drunk and I am seeing stars,
  
−
This is all I think of.
  
−
Watching all our friends fall,
  
−
In and out of Old Paul’s.
  
−
This is my idea of fun,
  
−
Playing video games.
  
−  
−
It’s you, it’s you, it’s all for you.
  
−
Everything I do.
  
−
I tell you all the time,
  
−
Heaven is a place on earth with you.
  
−
Tell me all the things you wanna do.
  
−
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
  
−
It’s better than I ever even knew.
  
−
They say that the world was built for two.
  
−
Only worth living if somebody is loving you,
  
−
And baby, now you do.
 
−  
−
It’s you, it’s you, it’s all for you.
  
−
Everything I do.
  
−
I tell you all the time.
  
−
Heaven is a place on earth with you.
  
−
Tell me all the things you wanna do.
  
−
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
  
−
It’s better than I ever even knew.
  
−
They say that the world was built for two.
  
−
Only worth living if somebody is loving you,
  
−
And baby, now you do.
  
−
</poem>
  
−
}}
  
−
==Credits==
  
−
'''Personnel'''
  
−
*Mixing — Robopop
  
   
 
== References ==
  
== References ==
−
<references />
 +
<references />{{Navbox album BTD}}
 
[[Category:Born to Die music videos]]
  
[[Category:Born to Die music videos]]
 
[[Category:Born to Die singles]]
  
[[Category:Born to Die singles]]
Line 369: Line 622:
 
[[Category:Songs]]
  
[[Category:Songs]]
 
[[Category:Released songs]]
  
[[Category:Released songs]]
  +
[[Category:Lana Del Rey (EP) songs]]
  +
[[Category:LA to the Moon Tour songs]]
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Revision as of 06:37, 16 February 2020

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"Video Games" is a song written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker and produced by Robopop in 2011. Taken from Del Rey's first major-label album Born to Die, the song served as the album's first and lead single worldwide and is credited for the launch of Del Rey's international success. The song was officially released as a single on October 7, 2011, as her debut single.

Writing and inspiration

The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker in the same sessions as "Blue Jeans" during the summer of 2010. It was written about how Del Rey watched her then-boyfriend play video games. In an interview for British online magazine The Quietus, Del Rey stated that the inspiration for the song came from her ex-boyfriend, commenting, "I think we came together because we were both outsiders. It was perfect. But I think with that contentment also comes sadness. There was something heavenly about that life – we'd go to work and he'd play his video games – but also it was maybe too regular.[1] "She has stated that it is a statement about her putting her musical career on hold for him. When creating the song, Del Rey had no plans for it to be released as a single, as she assumed it would struggle to gain traction.

Josh Kemp, one of Del Rey's supposed ex-boyfriends is said to have the been the inspiration behind the song as rumored for years. He seemingly alluded to the fact that it was his obsession with World of Warcraft that led to the writing of the song. On Instagram he shared a live recording of Del Rey performing the track and commented, “When your World of Warcraft addiction turns from self deprecating, anti-social depression into iconic and legendary... embrace your darkness...you never know who’s watching.”[2] Del Rey has also mentioned that all the men in her life have been consumed by World of Warcraft in a 2012 interview with MTV Buzzworthy.[3]

Composition

Musically, "Video Games" is an down-tempo ballad song with highly orchestrated instrumentation. It is composed in the key of F♯ minor, and is in common time with a tempo of around 60 beats per minute. Instrumentally, the song features pizzicato strings, swathing strings, harps, and violins. The song lacks any major percussion instruments, but does feature minor thumping in the latter half. Del Rey's vocals range from E3 to A4, and the song showcases her using a lower vocal range than she had used previously. The crescendos, as well as feathery backing vocals create a subdued and haunting atmosphere that was praised by critics. Both official (wet one) and dry (with unaltered vocals) a cappellas were leaked on July 30, 2018.

Critical reception

"Video Games" was met with critical acclaim from music critics. Following the release of the single, Ian Cohen dubbed the song "Best New Music" on Pitchfork Mediacommenting, "on her stirring debut single, New York singer-songwriter Lizzy Grant transforms into the more bombastically named Lana Del Rey and absolutely wallows in it."[4] Digital Spy writer Robert Copsey noted Del Rey "combines a near-identical [Nancy Sinatra] vocal with her own fascination for the tragically glamorous — or 'Hollywood sadcore' as she succinctly labels it."[5] Lewis Corner, also of Digital Spy, said, "New York-born, London-based Lana Del Rey is currently working on her debut album, but if this newly released preview track/video is anything to go by, it's going to be avant-garde pop at its very best."[6] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian considered "Video Games" the best song of 2011 and added, "it's tempting to say with a song that good it doesn't matter who sings it, but that's not strictly true. As pop divas who collaborate with Eg White go, Lana Del Rey sounds hugely understated."[7]

In a poll performed by NME, readers ranked it as the tenth best song of the year.[8] Maura Johnston of The Village Voice, however, called the song and the accompanying music video overproduced,[9] while New York magazine contributor Amanda Dobbis commented that "it's hard to totally separate Del Rey's looks from the criticism that's been bubbling around her."[10] In responses to this controversy, Paste '​s Luke Larson said, "when 'Video Games' first hit the web, people weren’t freaking out about Lana Del Rey or fake lips or Lizzy Grant. People were freaking out because they had stumbled upon a fresh voice and a beautifully written song and ultimately, does the rest really matter?"[11] Krystina Nellis of Drowned in Sound said the single reminded her of something from a David Lynch movie.[12]

The Village Voice '​s Pazz & Jop annual critics' poll ranked "Video Games" at number seven to find the best music of 2011, tied with Britney Spears's "Till the World Ends". The British magazine NME named "Video Games" the best single of 2011. In 2018, "Video Games" was listed as #13 on National Public Radio's '200 Greatest Songs by 21st Century Women' list.[13] Pitchfork placed "Video Games" at #9 on their '200 Best Songs of the 2010s' list in 2019.[14] "Video Games" also won 'Song of the Decade' award at the 2019 Q Awards.

Use in media

  • The song was used in an episode of the CW show, Ringer, "If You Ever Want a French Lesson...". It is often highlighted as a proponent to the launch of Del Rey's career.
  • A remixed version of the song in the 666 Park Avenue episode "The Dead Don't Stay Dead."
  • The song was used in the TV show Gossip Girl episode "I Am Number Nine" (Season 5, Episode 6).

Cross-references

  • "Take that body downtown" is a lyric also found in "National Anthem".
  • Different variations of the lyric "heaven is a place on Earth with you" can be found in other songs. "Heaven is on Earth" is a phrase in "Ultraviolence", "heaven is a place called Earth on your arm" from "Match Made in Heaven" and "don't you want heaven here on earth?" from "Put Your Lips Together".
  • Certain lyrics from the song were originally recorded in "Is It Wrong".
  • The song is part of the "K" trilogy with the album Born to Die. The other two songs are "Born to Die" and "Blue Jeans".
  • "I'm in his favorite sundress" is similar to a lyric found in "On Our Way".

Music video

Music video Information
Lana_Del_Rey_-_Video_Games Released August 19, 2011 & October 16, 2011
Length 4:46
Director Lana Del Rey
Producer Lana Del Rey
Filmed Unknown, 2011
Location Unknown
Vevo views 201+ Million views
Music video Information
Lana_Del_Rey_-_Video_Games_(original_version) Released July, 2011
Length 4:52
Director Lana Del Rey
Producer Lana Del Rey
Filmed Unknown, 2011
Location Unknown
Vevo views N/A
Music video Information
Video_Games_(Original_Version_2) Released July, 2011
Length 4:52
Director Lana Del Rey
Producer Lana Del Rey
Filmed Unknown, 2011
Location Unknown
Vevo views N/A

Background

After recording videos for the tracks from Lana Del Ray in the same style, Del Rey continued by recording this one and interlacing clips of her with old films, cartoons, paparazzi footage, and nature clips to create the video. The first two original videos, released in July of 2011, were removed and reformatted using some new clips once Del Rey was signed to Stranger, due to copyright issues. Del Rey posted the video on her personal YouTube channel on August 19, 2011, and it was posted to her Vevo channel on October 16, 2011.

Description

The video shows Del Rey, with her hair in a similar style to that of Jackie Kennedy, wearing a white top and a yellow & black shirt, and shows her with various colorizations added to her shots. The clips in the video show San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, amongst others, as well as specific shots of the Chateau Marmont and various billboards around L.A. A prominent scene featured throughout the video is that of an intoxicated Paz De La Huerta, an actress, stumbling. Many scenes of a man and woman on a moped, dancing, kissing, and jumping in a pool are a main focus of the video. The original video also included many shots of cartoons and orchestras, but these were removed in the final edition.

Official versions

  • Album version — 4:42
  • Remastered version — 4:41
  • Unmastered version — 4:06
  • Radio edit — 4:01
  • Demo version — 3:55
  • Music video version — 4:46
  • Instrumental version — 4:45
  • Dry a cappella version — 4:26
  • A cappella version — 4:45
  • Unmastered demo — 4:32
  • DJ version — 5:12[15]

Lyrics

Album version

Swinging in the backyard, pull up in your fast car
Whistling my name

Open up a beer
And you say get over here
And play a video game

I'm in his favorite sundress
Watching me get undressed
Take that body downtown

I say you the bestest
Lean in for a big kiss
Put his favorite perfume on

Go play a video game

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Tell me all the things you wanna do
I heard that you like the bad girls honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby now you do

Singing in the old bars
Swinging with the old stars
Living for the fame
Kissing in the blue dark
Playing pool and wild darts and video games
He holds me in his big arms
Drunk and I am seeing stars
This is all I think of

Watching all our friends fall in and out of Old Paul's
This is my idea of fun
Playing video games

Radio edit

Swinging in the backyard, pull up in your fast car
Whistling my name

Open up a beer
And you say "get over here,
And play a video game."

I'm in his favorite sundress
Watching me get undressed
Take that body downtown

I say you the bestest
Lean in for a big kiss
Put his favorite perfume on

Go play a video game

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
Tell me all the things you wanna do
I heard that you like the bad girls honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby now you do

Singing in the old bars
Swinging with the old stars
Living for the fame
Kissing in the blue dark
Playing pool and wild darts and video games

He holds me in his big arms
Drunk and I am seeing stars
This is all I think of

Watching all our friends fall in and out of Old Paul's
This is my idea of fun
Playing video games

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
Tell me all the things you wanna do
I heard that you like the bad girls honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby now you do

(Now-now you do, now you do, now you do)

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
Tell me all the things you wanna do
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby now you do

(Now-now you do, now you do, now you do)

Demo version

Swinging in the backyard
Pull up in your fast car
Whistling my name
You open up a beer
And you say "get over here,
And play my video game."

I'm in his favorite sundress
Watching me get all dressed
We gonna go downtown
I say you're the best best
Lean in for a big kiss
Put his favorite perfume on
Go play your video game

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
Tell me all the things you wanna do
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
And baby, now you do, mm

Singing in the old bars
Swinging with the old stars
Living for the fame
Kissing in the blue dark
Playing pool and wild darts
Video games

He holds me in his big arms
Drunk and I am seeing stars
This is all I think of
Watching all our friends fall
In and out of Old Paul's
This is my idea of fun
Playing video games

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
Tell me all the things you wanna do
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
And baby, now you do

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on Earth with you
Tell me all the things you wanna do
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
And baby, now you do

Commercial release

Physical releases

United Kingdom (2783433)

(45RPM)

VG Picture Vinyl Label: Stranger
Format: 7" picture disc vinyl in plastic sleeve
Released: 2011
Barcode: 00602527834337
Photography: Nicole Nodland
Design: Unknown
# Name Time
1. "Video Games" (Radio Edit) 4:01
2. "Blue Jeans"   3:31
United States (INTR-12733-2)
VG Single Label: Stranger
Format: CD in jewel case
Released: 2011
Barcode: 602527893242
Photography: Nicole Nodland
Design: Unknown
# Name Time
1. "Video Games" (Radio Edit) 4:01
2. "Blue Jeans"   3:31
United States (INTR-12736-7)

(45RPM)

VG Vinyl Label: Polydor, Interscope
Format: 7" vinyl in cardsleeve
Released: TBA
Barcode: TBA
Photography: Nicole Nodland
Design: Unknown
# Name Time
1. "Video Games" (Joy Orbison Remix) 5:01
2. "Blue Jeans" (Odd Future's The Internet Remix) 4:00

Digital releases

Video Games Remixes - EP
VG Remixes EP Label: Polydor, Interscope
Format: Digital download
Released: February 28, 2012
Barcode: None
Photography: Nicole Nodland
Design: Unknown
# Name Time
1. "Video Games" (Club Clique for The Bad Girls Remix) 4:57
2. "Video Games" (Jakwob and Etherwood Remix) 3:42
3. "Video Games" (White Lies C-Mix) 7:32
4. "Video Games" (Jamie Woon Remix) 5:14
5. "Video Games" (We Don't Belong In Pacha Remix) 5:19

Official remixes

  • Adrian Lux & Blende Remix — 6:03[16]
  • Adrian Lux & Blende Remix Radio Edit — 2:42[17]
  • Bassflow Remake — 3:53[18]
  • Club Clique For The Bad Girls Remix — 5:00
  • Helium Robots Remix — 4:52
  • Jakwob & Etherwood Remix — 3:43
  • Jamie Woon Remix — 5:14
  • Joy Orbison Remix — 5:01
  • Larry "Mr. Fingers" Heard Remix — 9:01
  • Larry "Mr. Fingers" Heard Edit — 9:00
  • Omid 16B Remix — 5:14
  • Omid 16B Radio Edit — 4:07
  • Omid 16B Instrumental Mix — 5:08
  • Omid 16B Instrumental Reprise — 2:35
  • Rainer Weichhold & Nick Olivetti Clubmix — 7:42
  • We Don't Belong In Pancha Remix — 5:20
  • White Lies C-Mix — 7:34

Promotional releases

Video Games / Blue Jeans CD by Vertigo in Germany, Switzerland & Austria

Video Games / Blue Jeans CD by Interscope Records in US

Video Games - The Remix EP CD by Vertigo in Germany, Switzerland & Austria

Video Games / Blue Jeans 7" Vinyl (part of The Singles compilation) by Interscope Records and Polydor in France

Video Games / Blue Jeans Remix 7" Vinyl by Interscope Records in USA

Video Games / Blue Jeans CD by Stranger Records in Europe

Video Games - The Remix EP 12" Vinyl by Vertigo in Germany

Video Games / Blue Jeans (Omid 16B Remixes) 12" Vinyl by Alola in UK

Video Games / Blue Jeans Picture 7" Vinyl by Stranger Records in UK, Europe & US

Video Games CD by Interscope Records in US

Video Games CD in Card Sleeve by Stranger Records in UK

Video Games / Blue Jeans CD by Polydor and Interscope Records in France

Video Games CD by Stranger Records in Netherlands

Video Games - Remixes CD by Stranger Records in UK

Video Games / Blue Jeans CD by Universal Music Group in Finland

Video Games CD Sampler by Stranger Records in UK

Credits

Personnel
  • Lana Del Rey — vocals, songwriting
  • Justin Parker — songwriting
  • Robopop — production, mixing
  • John Davis — mastering
Technical
  • Published by EMI / Sony ATV (ASCAP)
  • Mastered at Metropolis Mastering, London, United Kingdom

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2011–12) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) 23
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) 2
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) 2
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) 2
Brazil (Billboard Hot 100) 2
Brazil (Billboard Hot Pop Songs) 3
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) 72
Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100) 3
Denmark (Tracklisten) 18
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) 14
France (SNEP) 2
Germany (Official German Charts) 1
Ireland (IRMA) 6
Italy (FIMI) 27
Luxembourg Digital Songs 1
Japan (Japan Hot 100) 21
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 11
Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100) 5
Portugal Digital Songs 5
Scotland (Official Charts Company) 10
Scotland (Official Charts Company) 10
Spain (PROMUSICAE) 33
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) 56
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) 2
UK Singles (Official Charts Company) 9
UK Indie (Official Charts Company) 1
US Billboard Hot 100 91
US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard) 15

Year-end charts

Chart (2011) Position
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) 40
France (SNEP) 60
Germany (Media Control Charts) 19
Netherlands (Mega Single Top 100) 32
Chart (2012) Position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) 27
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) 15
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) 16
France (SNEP) 7
Germany (Media Control AG) 33
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) 23
UK Singles (Official Charts Company) 87

All-time charts

Chart Position
IFrance (SNEP) 38

Certifications

Region Certification Sales/shipments
Australia (ARIA) Platinum 70,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria) Platinum 30,000*
Belgium (BEA) Platinum 30,000*
Canada (Music Canada) Gold 40,000^
France (SNEP) Platinum 150,000*
Germany (BVMI) 3× Gold 450,000^
Italy (FIMI) Gold 15,000*
Italy (FIMI) Gold 25,000*
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) 3× Platinum 60,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) Platinum 600,000x
United States (RIAA) Gold 500,000^

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone
xunspecified figures based on certification alone

References

  1. ↑ http://thequietus.com/articles/07106-lana-del-rey-interview
  2. ↑ Josh Kemp on "Video Games" via Instagram
  3. ↑ Lana Del Rey for MTV Buzzworthy
  4. ↑ http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/12276-video-games/
  5. ↑ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a342509/lana-del-rey-video-games-single-review.html
  6. ↑ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a318491/playlist-10-tracks-you-need-to-hear.html
  7. ↑ http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2011/dec/19/best-song-2011-lana-del-rey
  8. ↑ http://www.nme.com/ratemy/253447/song-of-the-year-2011/item/254089
  9. ↑ http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2011/09/lana_del_rey_secret_show_glasslands.php
  10. ↑ http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/09/lana_del_rey.html
  11. ↑ http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2011/11/the-50-best-songs-of-2011.html
  12. ↑ http://drownedinsound.com/releases/16769/reviews/4144405?search
  13. ↑ National Public Radio, Inc. (July 30, 2018). "The 200 Greatest Songs By 21st Century Women+". NPR
  14. ↑ Pitchfork Media Inc. (October 7, 2019). "The 200 Best Songs of the 2010s". Pitchfork
  15. ↑ ISRC: GBUM71107879
  16. ↑ ISRC: GBUM71203657
  17. ↑ ISRC: GBUM71203658
  18. ↑ ISRC: GBUM71203875
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