Lana Del Rey’s “Ultraviolence” is a haunting ballad that dives into love and relationships’ complex, often dark nature. The song is a journey through a tumultuous and abusive relationship, exploring themes of passion, violence, and the blurred lines between pain and love. Lana uses vivid, metaphorical language to express a toxic dynamic, encapsulating a struggle many can relate to – the difficulty of leaving someone who hurts you yet feels like home.
Lana’s own experiences and observations of relationships marked by a toxic blend of love and pain influence her songwriting. Let’s look more into this track.
“Ultraviolence” Lyrics Meaning
“He used to call me DN / That stood for deadly nightshade / ‘Cause I was filled with poison / But blessed with beauty and rage.” These lines set the tone for the entire song, portraying the protagonist as dangerous and alluring, hinting at the toxic nature of her relationship.
The chorus, “He hit me and it felt like a kiss,” is a powerful and controversial line. It directly references the 1962 Crystals song of the same name, which was itself a controversial portrayal of domestic violence. Lana Del Rey uses this line to illustrate the complex and confusing emotions that can accompany an abusive relationship. The juxtaposition of violence with terms of endearment suggests a warped perception of love and affection.
Throughout the song, Lana refers to her partner as “Jim,” painting a picture of an intense and destructive relationship. The lyrics, “Jim raised me up / He hurt me but it felt like true love,” further delve into the theme of confusing abuse for love. This reflects a common dilemma in toxic relationships, where the lines between love and harm are blurred.
The song also touches upon themes of nostalgia and escapism. References to New York and Woodstock paint a picture of a desire to return to a simpler, more innocent time. The lines, “Heaven is on earth / I will do anything for you, babe,” show the protagonist’s willingness to endure pain for the sake of love, highlighting the often irrational nature of love and devotion.
The Spanish line, “Yo soy la princesa, comprende mis white lines,” adds another layer to the song, hinting at substance abuse and its role in the relationship’s dynamic. It’s a cry for understanding, a plea to be seen beyond the chaos of their life together.
Lastly, the repeated chorus of “Ultraviolence” serves as a haunting reminder of the cycle of abuse and the difficulty of breaking free from such a relationship. The mix of sirens and violins in the background music adds to the atmosphere of turmoil and beauty, encapsulating the song’s theme of finding beauty in pain and chaos.
The Story Behind “Ultraviolence”
In “Ultraviolence,” Lana explores the theme of an abusive relationship, a topic both delicate and controversial. The song’s title itself is a nod to Anthony Burgess’s novel “A Clockwork Orange,” where “ultraviolence” refers to gratuitous violence. This choice reflects the song’s exploration of the intertwining of love and violence.
Lana’s portrayal of the protagonist’s experience in the song is a deep dive into the psychology of someone trapped in a toxic relationship. The use of metaphors like “deadly nightshade” and “poison ivy” suggests a self-awareness of the dangers yet an inability to escape them. This duality is central to understanding the song’s emotional depth. Her lyrics often reflect a nostalgia for past eras, which ties into the song’s references to places like Woodstock – a symbol of a more innocent time, contrasting the present turmoil.
In conclusion, “Ultraviolence” is not just a song about an abusive relationship; it’s an exploration of the human condition, the complexities of love, and the pain that often accompanies it. Lana Del Rey masterfully uses her lyrical prowess to delve into these themes, leaving listeners with a haunting yet beautiful piece of music that resonates long after the song ends.