Lana Del Rey’s A&W – A Deep Dive into the Lyrics and Their Meaning - Neon Music - Digital Music Discovery & Showcase Platform

Lana Del Rey’s A&W – A Deep Dive into the Lyrics and Their Meaning

22nd November, 2023

Lana Del Rey, the musical icon known for her hauntingly beautiful music and evocative lyrics, has once again captured the attention of her audience with the release of A&W.

This track, a standout piece from her ninth studio album, Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd, is a profound exploration of femininity, sexuality, and societal perceptions.

The song’s title, A&W, is an abbreviation for “American Whore,” setting the tone for a raw and introspective journey through Del Rey’s experiences and reflections.

Lana Del Rey Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd Album Cover

The Genesis of A&W

A&W was first announced by Lana Del Rey herself in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, where she revealed the meaning behind the title and the inspiration for the song.

She said, “I wanted to write a song that was honest and raw, and that’s why I chose the title ‘A&W.’ It’s a way of reclaiming the word ‘whore’ and turning it into something empowering.”

The track’s title was later leaked on a retailer’s website, listing the album’s vinyl, sparking curiosity and excitement among the fans.

The song was officially released on February 14, 2023, marking a significant moment in Del Rey’s musical journey.

The Sound: A Blend of Retro and Modern Influences

The sound of A&W is a blend of retro and modern influences, creating a unique and captivating sonic experience.

The song starts with a soft piano melody, accompanied by Del Rey’s ethereal vocals, creating a nostalgic and melancholic atmosphere.

The piano is then joined by a string section, adding a layer of drama and emotion to the song.

The first part of the song maintains a slow and steady tempo, reflecting Del Rey’s introspective and reflective mood.

The sound of the song changes dramatically in the second part, where the piano and strings are replaced by a synth bass, electric guitar, and drums, creating a more rhythmic and upbeat sound.

The tempo also increases, reflecting Del Rey’s shift to a more energetic and assertive tone.

The song contains a reference to Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop by Little Anthony and the Imperials, a 1959 R&B song that uses the lyrics “Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy, ride”.

The Lyrics: A Journey from Innocence to Experience

The lyrics of A&W are split into two distinct sections, each offering a glimpse into different stages of Del Rey’s life.

The first part of the song reminisces about her childhood innocence, contrasting sharply with her adult experiences.

The opening lines, “I haven’t done a cartwheel since I was nine / I haven’t seen my mother in a long, long time,” set a nostalgic yet somber tone, indicating a loss of innocence and estrangement.

She also references her Catholic upbringing, singing, “I used to pray to Jesus every night / Now I only pray when I’m in a fight.” This suggests a disillusionment with religion and a loss of faith.

As the song progresses, Del Rey delves into her adulthood, marked by a transformation into a figure of sexual liberation, or as she terms it, an “American whore.”

This transformation is not just about embracing sexuality but also a commentary on how society perceives women who own their sexual agency.

The chorus, “It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymore / No, this is the experience of bein’ an American whore,” is a powerful assertion of self-identity against societal judgment.

She also challenges the double standards that women face, singing, “They call me a slut, they call me a whore / But they don’t know what I do behind closed doors.”

She implies that her sexuality is more complex and nuanced than what society labels her.

The Second Part: A Toxic Love Story

The latter part of A&W shifts to a more rhythmic and upbeat tempo, focusing on a toxic relationship with a character named Jimmy.

This section, infused with references to drug use and dysfunctional love, portrays a complex narrative of seeking affection in the wrong places.

The repetitive lines, “Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high,” underscore the conditional and superficial nature of this relationship.

She also expresses her frustration and desperation, singing, “He says he loves me, but he always lies / He says he’ll change, but he never tries.”

She reveals that she is trapped in a cycle of addiction and abuse, unable to break free from Jimmy.

The Cultural and Personal Context

A&W is not just a personal narrative; it’s a cultural commentary. Del Rey touches upon themes like the objectification of women, the struggle for genuine affection, and the harsh realities of toxic relationships.

Her lyrics resonate with many who have navigated similar paths, making A&W a relatable and poignant piece.

She also draws inspiration from other cultural icons, such as Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and Amy Winehouse, who have faced similar challenges and criticisms in their careers.

She pays homage to them, singing, “I’m not the first, I won’t be the last / I’m just another American whore in the past.”

Del Rey’s Discography: The Evolution of a Musical Icon

A&W holds a unique place in Lana Del Rey’s discography. It showcases her evolution as an artist unafraid to explore the depths of human experience.

Her music has always been a blend of melancholic nostalgia and stark realism, and A&Wcontinues this tradition.

Conclusion

Lana Del Rey’s A&W is a masterful blend of personal narrative and societal commentary.

It’s a song that speaks to the complexities of womanhood, the pursuit of love, and the challenges of living under the public eye.

With A&W, Del Rey continues to solidify her place as a musical icon who is unafraid to explore the depths of human experience.

She also empowers her listeners to embrace their own identities and experiences, regardless of how society views them.

Stream A&W on Spotify:

You might also like:

Lana Del Rey’s A&W Lyrics

Verse 1
I haven’t done a cartwheel since I was nine
I haven’t seen my mother in a long, long time
I mean, look at me
Look at the length of my hair, and my face, the shape of my body
Do you really think I give a damn
What I do after years of just hearing them talking?

Pre-Chorus
I say I live in Rosemead, really, I’m at the Ramada
It doesn’t really matter, doesn’t really, really matter

Chorus
Call him up, “Come into my bedroom”
Ended up, we fuck on the hotel floor
It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymorе
This is the experiеnce of bein’ an American whore

Verse 2
Called up one drunk, called up another
Forensic Files wasn’t on
Watching Teenage Diary of a Girl
Wondering what went wrong
I’m a princess, I’m divisive
Ask me why, why, why I’m like this
Maybe I’m just kinda like this
I don’t know, maybe I’m just like this

Pre-Chorus
I say I live in Rosemead, really, I’m at the Ramada
It doesn’t really matter, doesn’t really, really matter

Chorus
Call him up, he comes over again
Yeah, I know I’m over my head but, oh
It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymore
No, this is the experience of bein’ an American whore

Verse 3
I mean look at my hair
Look at the length of it and the shape of my body
If I told you that I was raped
Do you really think that anybody would think
I didn’t ask for it? I didn’t ask for it
I won’t testify, I already fucked up my story
On top of this (Mm), so many other things you can’t believe
Did you know a singer can still be
Looking like a sidepiece at thirty-three?
Got a cop who turned on the backbeat
Puts the shower on while he calls me
Slips out the back door to talk to me
I’m invisible, look how you hold me
I’m invisible, I’m invisible
I’m a ghost now, look how you hold me now

Chorus
It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymore (Oh, okay)
No, this is the experience of bein’ an American whore
It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymore
No, this is the experience of bein’ an American whore

Part II

Intro
This is the experience of bein’ an American whore
This is the experience of bein’ an American whore
This is the experience of bein’ an American whore
Woo

Chorus
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy, ride
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, get me high (Oh my god)
Love me if you love or not, you can be my light
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fuckin’ up big time

Post-Chorus
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fuckin’ up big time
Chorus
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy, ride
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, get me high
Love me if you live and love, you can be my light (Mm)
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fuckin’ up big time

Verse
Jimmy, you should switch it up, baby, light it up (Yeah)
Jimmy, if you leave the house, find me in the club (Like)
Jimmy, if you switch it up, you should light it up
Jimmy, if you leave the house, find me in the club (Like, surf’s up)
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fuckin’ up big time
But I don’t care, baby, I already lost my mind
Jimmy, if I lie it up, find me in the club (Mind, mind)
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fucking up big time

Chorus
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy, ride
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, get me high
Love me if you love or not, you can be my light
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fuckin’ up big time

You might also like: