Meaning of Cherry by Lana Del Rey

In Lana Del Rey's hauntingly beautiful song 'Cherry,' she paints a vivid picture of love, vulnerability, and the contradictions that come with intense emotions. The overall theme of the song revolves around the idea of experiencing real love and its transformative power, even in the face of danger and pain. Let's delve into some of the standout lyrics and explore the unexpected and imaginative themes they help develop within the song.The opening lines, "Darlin', I said real love, it's like feeling no fear, when you're standing in the face of danger, 'cause you just want it so much," capture the essence of the song's themes. Here, Lana is emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of love and its ability to make us brave, even in the most challenging circumstances. The concept of love as a powerful motivator is a recurring theme throughout the song.One of the most striking lyrics in 'Cherry' is "My cherries and wine, rosemary, and thyme, and all of my peaches (are ruined)." While the surface interpretation suggests a sense of loss or devastation, an imaginative theme arises when considering the symbolism within the fruit. Cherries, often associated with passion and sensuality, represent the sweetness of love. Wine, with its intoxicating effects, signifies the enchantment of a relationship. Rosemary and thyme, herbs associated with healing and protection, reveal the desire to preserve and cherish love. The peaches being "ruined" represent the vulnerability and shattered innocence associated with deep emotional connections. Together, these lyrics layer the theme of love's complexity and its ability to both fulfill and tarnish us.In the line "My rose garden dreams, set on fire by fiends, and all my black beaches (are ruined)," Lana uses vivid and contrasting imagery to create an imaginative theme. Rose gardens often symbolize beauty, purity, and delicate dreams. The phrase "set on fire by fiends" introduces a darker element, suggesting that external forces or destructive influences can harm the purity of our desires. The mention of "black beaches" creates an intriguing contrast between the idyllic paradise and shadowy decay. This juxtaposition highlights the idea that even the most serene and beautiful aspects of love can become tainted by external factors, inviting reflection on the complexities of romantic relationships.Another standout lyric that contributes to the song's imaginative themes is "My celluloid scenes are torn at the seams." This line evokes the idea of cinematic imagery, further emphasizing Lana's ability to create visual narratives with her lyrics. It suggests that the idealized scenes of love in Lana's mind have been damaged or fragmented, reflecting the turmoil and imperfection that often accompanies intense emotional connections. This theme suggests that love in its rawest form cannot always be contained within the limits of our fantasies.Throughout 'Cherry,' Lana Del Rey skillfully weaves together various themes, allowing listeners to explore the complexities of love. The song emphasizes that real love can be both transformative and destructive, beautiful and painful. It touches on the paradoxes inherent in intense emotional connections and invites us to reflect on our own encounters with love. By employing imaginative and unexpected imagery, Lana delivers a poetic rendering of the highs and lows that come with deeply intertwining our lives with another's. 'Cherry' thus serves as a reminder that love is a multifaceted experience, one that can simultaneously lift us to new heights and drag us down to the depths of vulnerability.