Meaning of Diet Mountain Dew by Lana Del Rey

In Lana Del Rey's melancholic yet mesmerizing song "Diet Mountain Dew," the overall theme revolves around a toxic and addictive love. The lyrics explore the conflicting emotions and desires one feels when involved in a relationship that is both alluring and detrimental. Through her unique storytelling style, Lana Del Rey evokes images of New York City and uses vivid metaphors to convey the complexities of love and the allure of self-destructive behavior.One standout lyric in the song is, "Baby put on heart-shaped sunglasses, 'cause we gonna take a ride." This lyric suggests that the protagonist is willingly blinding themselves to the potential harm and consequences of being in this relationship. The heart-shaped sunglasses represent a facade or shield, symbolizing their desire to escape reality and indulge in the thrill of the ride. This theme of escapism and self-delusion is prevalent throughout the song.Another powerful lyric is, "Maybe I like this roller coaster, maybe it keeps me high." Here, the roller coaster serves as a metaphor for the tumultuous nature of the relationship. Despite knowing that it is not healthy or beneficial, the protagonist finds some twisted pleasure in the ups and downs, the highs and lows. It highlights the addictive nature of their love, as they become dependent on the excitement and emotional turmoil it brings.The line, "Take another drag, turn me to ashes, ready for another lie," speaks to the self-destructive tendencies within the relationship. It suggests a cycle of repeated mistakes, where the protagonist is willingly immolating themselves, only to be drawn back into the same destructive patterns. This lyric emphasizes the addictive nature of the relationship and the protagonist's inability to break free from the cycle.In the line, "Let's take Jesus off the dashboard, got enough on his mind," Del Rey introduces a religious imagery that adds complexity to the song's themes. Removing Jesus from the dashboard symbolizes their actions veering away from what is morally right. It also suggests that they have too many worries and conflicts in their relationship to think about their faith or the consequences of their actions. It delves into the idea of moral ambiguity and the characters' disregard for societal norms and values.One imaginative theme that emerges from these lyrics is the idea of self-destruction as a form of liberation. Despite knowing the harm it causes, the protagonist finds solace in the chaos and the unpredictable nature of their relationship. This theme questions societal expectations and conventional notions of love, suggesting that sometimes, indulging in what is perceived as destructive or unhealthy can bring a sense of freedom and authenticity.An unexpected theme that emerges from the song is the exploration of the concept of artificiality and the allure of glamour. The repeated mention of "Diet Mountain Dew" and New York City suggests a superficial and materialistic world. It hints at the intoxicating appeal of a glamorous lifestyle and the desire to escape into a fantasy world. This theme highlights society's obsession with appearances and the protagonist's quest for a love that is as shiny and enticing as the image they desire.Ultimately, "Diet Mountain Dew" delves into the complexities of love and the lure of toxic relationships. The themes discussed, such as self-destruction as liberation, the allure of artificiality and glamour, and the addictive nature of love, all contribute to the overarching theme of a relationship that is simultaneously appealing and destructive. Lana Del Rey expertly crafts a narrative that captivates the listener and prompts reflection on the often tumultuous nature of love.