Meaning of Religion by Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey's song "Religion" explores the power of love and its ability to become a driving force in one's life. The overall theme of the song focuses on how love, symbolized as a religious experience, shapes our existence and provides us with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.One standout lyric in the song is "It never was about the money or the drugs, for you, there's only love." This lyric suggests that love transcends material possessions and superficial desires. It emphasizes the idea that true happiness and fulfillment are found within the realm of love rather than in materialistic pursuits.This notion is further reinforced by the line "Cause you're my religion, you're how I'm living." Here, the speaker equates their lover to a religious devotion, portraying love as the guiding principle that governs their entire existence. It suggests that the love they share is not only important but also serves as the moral compass that shapes their actions and decisions.Another significant lyric is "When all my friends say I should take some space, well, I can't envision that for a minute when I'm down on my knees, you're how I pray." This powerful imagery showcases the intensity of the speaker's love and their reliance on it for emotional support and guidance. The mention of friends advising them to take space implies that others may not understand the depth of their connection. Despite this, the speaker finds solace in their lover and turns to them as a source of comfort and spiritual solace, similar to how one would turn to prayer in times of need.The line "All I hear is music like Lay Lady Lay" introduces the concept of music as a spiritual experience. The reference to Bob Dylan's song "Lay Lady Lay" suggests that music can evoke intense emotions and elevate one's mood, similar to a religious encounter. This theme of music as a spiritual force relates back to the overarching theme of love being a religious experience itself.Additionally, the lyrics "No one's out of time, no, chips fall wherever they may, leave it all behind, let the ocean wash it away" convey a sense of surrender and acceptance. It highlights the idea that, in the context of love, it is essential to let go of control and simply allow things to unfold naturally. The ocean represents a metaphorical cleansing, suggesting that love has the power to wash away past mistakes or grievances.In summary, "Religion" by Lana Del Rey explores the profound impact of love on our lives. It suggests that love can become a guiding force, akin to religion, helping us find purpose and negotiate the complexities of existence. Through the use of evocative imagery and introspective lyrics, the song invites listeners to ponder the transformative nature of love and its ability to shape our perspectives and actions.