Meaning of National Anthem by Lana Del Rey

In Lana Del Rey's iconic song "National Anthem," the theme of money and success is woven through every lyric. The song seems to highlight the importance and allure of wealth and the power it holds in society. But beneath the surface, this track explores much more than just material possessions. Its lyrics offer a deeper exploration of love, power dynamics, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. Let's dive into some standout lyrics to uncover the unexpected and imaginative themes they help develop.The opening lines of the song immediately establish the anthem-like nature of money and success. Del Rey sings, "Money is the anthem, Of success." These lines suggest that our society values wealth and prosperity above all else, equating money with a form of national pride. This concept is further emphasized when Del Rey asks, "So before we go out, What's your address?" It's as if she's defining a person's worth based on their social status or the grandeur of their lifestyle, reinforcing the idea that money serves as a status symbol and gateway to societal acceptance.Moving on to the chorus, Del Rey sings, "I'm your National Anthem, God, you're so handsome." Here, she intertwines love and worship with national and personal identity. It suggests that the pursuit of success and wealth can be like an anthem, an ideology that consumes one's thoughts and actions, leaving no room for anything else. The reference to someone being "so handsome" further intertwines physical attraction with this idea of success, emphasizing the allure of wealth, power, and status.One of the most powerful and thought-provoking lines in the song comes in the second verse: "He loves to romance them, Reckless abandon, Holdin' me for ransom, Upper echelon." Here, Del Rey delves into the dynamics of a toxic relationship fueled by power and control. The line "Holdin' me for ransom" implies one person using their influence over another for their personal gain. This can parallel the way money and success often hold people hostage, captivating them in a relentless pursuit and perpetuating a sense of dependency. The notion of the "upper echelon" further emphasizes the divide between the elite and the rest of society, highlighting the exclusivity and privilege that comes with wealth.Further along in the song, Del Rey sings, "It's a love story for the new age, For the six page, Want a quick sick rampage?" These lines blur the lines between reality and fantasy, suggesting that the pursuit of success can lead to a distorted view of love and relationships. The reference to a "new age" suggests a departure from traditional notions of love, with an emphasis on materialism and immediate gratification. The desire for a "quick sick rampage" hints at a reckless pursuit of pleasure and indulgence, further highlighting the potential dangers and pitfalls of a life driven by money and success.As the song comes to a close, Del Rey sings, "Money is the anthem, Of success, Money is the anthem, God, you're so handsome." By repeating these lines, she reinforces the central theme and elevates it to a divine status. This repetition can be seen as a reflection of the cyclical nature of society's obsession with wealth and success, perpetuating its glamorization and allure.In conclusion, "National Anthem" goes beyond its surface-level theme of money and success to explore the complexities of human desire, power dynamics, and the blurring of reality and illusion. Through its imaginative and unexpected lyrics, the song delves into the destructive aspects of the pursuit of wealth and success, ultimately challenging the societal values that prioritize material possessions over genuine human connection. Del Rey's artistry in capturing these themes through her lyrics makes "National Anthem" a thought-provoking and introspective journey that provokes contemplation on the true nature of success and happiness.