The Best Lana Del Rey Songs, Ranked By Fans

Album: Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd

Year: 2023

Why We Love It: Clocking in at over seven minutes, “A&W” is widely considered one of Lana's greatest. Don't be fooled by the acoustic arrangement, the song morphs halfway into a psychedelic soundscape outro. The track could be looked at as a merging of her old, more hip-hop inspired song and her current singer-songwriter era, even featuring a return of the oft-cited “Jimmy.” The lyrics, of course, are provocative as ever.

Lyric Spotlight:

Call him up, "Come into my bedroom"
Ended up, we f*ck on the hotel floor
It's not about havin' someone to love me anymorе
This is the experiеnce of bein' an American wh*re

Album: Born to Die

Year: 2012

Why We Love It: “Video Games” is an enchanting baroque-pop tune that catapulted Lana into stardom. With its cinematic strings and melancholic lyricism, this debut single remains iconic within modern pop culture.

Lyric Spotlight:

It's you, it's you, it's all for you, everything I do
I tell you all the time, Heaven is a place on Earth with you
Tell me all the things you wanna do
I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?

Album: The Great Gatsby: Music from Baz Luhrmann's Film

Year: 2013

Why We Love It: “Young And Beautiful” sees Lana questioning the permanence of love against lavish orchestral arrangements. Together with director Baz Luhrmann, she crafted one of cinema’s most memorable anthems for The Great Gatsby.

Lyric Spotlight:

Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will, I know that you will
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?

Album: Norman F*cking Rockwell

Year: 2018

Why We Love It: With "Venice B*tch," Lana offers a sprawling psychedelic journey over nine minutes, marking her longest song to date. Many would consider it the best distillation of her discography with its intoxicating experimental sound and warmly nostalgic lyrics.

Lyric Spotlight:

Give me Hallmark
One dream, one life, one lover
Paint me happy in blue
Norman Rockwell
No hype under our covers
It's just me and you

Album: Norman F*cking Rockwell

Year: 2019

Why We Love It: In “Cinnamon Girl,” Lana dives deep into the dynamics of toxic relationships against a hypnotic trip-hop backdrop. Its introspective lyrics paired with infectious beats make it a standout track on Norman F*cking Rockwell.

Lyric Spotlight:

There's things I wanna say to you
But I'll just let you live
Like if you hold me without hurting me
You'll be the first who ever did

Album: Born to Die

Year: 2012

Why We Love It: “Born To Die” blends hip-hop beats with orchestral elements creating an eerie yet beautiful soundscape where Lana explores themes of love & mortality - cementing her status as alt-pop's tragic queen. More than a decade later, the impact of “Born to Die”'s tragic lyricism and grandiose production can be felt throughout the pop landscape.

Lyric Spotlight:

Feet don't fail me now, take me to the finish line
Oh, my heart, it breaks every step that I take
But I'm hoping at the gates, they'll tell me that you're mine
Walking through the city streets, is it by mistake or design?
I feel so alone on a Friday night
Can you make it feel like home if I tell you you're mine?

Album: Born to Die

Year: 2012

Why We Love It: One of her earliest mainstream tracks, Lana burst onto the scene with "Blue Jeans." This moody alternative-pop tune sees Del Rey singing about unwavering loyalty in love - earning critical acclaim upon release.

Lyric Spotlight:

I will love you 'til the end of time
I would wait a million years
Promise you'll remember that you're mine
Baby, can you see through the tears?
Love you more than those b*tches before
Say you'll remember (Oh, baby)

Album: Norman F*cking Rockwell

Year: 2019

Why We Love It: “Hope Is A Dangerous Thing For A Woman Like Me To Have – But I Have It” strips down to bare piano chords as Lana sings about a host of topics including fame, religion, family, and alienation. This candid confessional received critical acclaim for its raw emotion and minimalistic arrangement.

Lyric Spotlight:

I've been tearing around in my f*cking nightgown
24/7 Sylvia Plath
Writing in blood on my walls
'Cause the ink in my pen don't work in my notepad
Don't ask if I'm happy, you know that I'm not
But at best, I can say I'm not sad
'Cause hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have

Album: Norman F*cking Rockwell

Year: 2018

Why We Love It: “Mariners Apartment Complex” is an introspective folk-rock tune where Lana addresses a tumultuous romance as well as her own shortcomings. One of her most vulnerable songs, “Mariners” received widespread acclaim for its maturity and lyrical themes.

Lyric Spotlight:

You took my sadness out of context
At the Mariners Apartment Complex
I ain't no candle in the wind
I'm the board, the lightning, the thunder
Kind of girl who's gonna make you wonder
Who you are and who you've been

Album: Paradise

Year: 2012

Why We Love It: With "Cola," Del Rey serves up controversy in a glass, mixing provocative lyrics with cinematic strings - creating one of the most talked-about songs on Paradise.

Lyric Spotlight:

My p*ssy tastes like Pepsi cola
My eyes are wide like cherry pies
I gots a taste for men who are older
It's always been so it's no surprise

Album: Norman F*cking Rockwell

Year: 2019

Why We Love It: “The Greatest” sees Lana lamenting societal changes over soft-rock melodies, crafting one of the most praised songs from Norman F*cking Rockwell thanks to its timely message and memorable composition.

Lyric Spotlight:

If this is it, I'm signing off
Miss doing nothin' the most of all
Hawaii just missed that fireball
L.A. is in flames‚ it's getting hot
Kanye West is blond and gone
"Life on Mars?" ain't just a song
Oh, the live stream's almost on

Album: Lust for Life

Year: 2017

Why We Love It: 13 Beaches is a cinematic ballad that combines her signature melancholic lyrics with sweeping orchestral arrangements. The song, praised for its raw emotion and storytelling, talks about the struggle to find privacy in fame.

Lyric Spotlight:

It took thirteen beaches to find one empty
But finally, it's mine
With drippin' peaches, I'm camera-ready
Almost all the time

Album: Norman F*cking Rockwell

Year: 2019

Why We Love It: F*ck It I Love You combines surf-rock influences with heart-on-sleeve lyricism – crafting a bittersweet ode to unrequited love that resonated with fans worldwide.

Lyric Spotlight:

So I moved to California‚ but it's just a state of mind
It turns out everywhere you go‚ you take yourself‚ that's not a lie
Wish that you would hold me or just say that you were mine
It's killing me slowly

Album: Born to Die

Year: 2012

Why We Love It: "Off To The Races" is an adrenaline-filled romp where Del Rey sings about an unhealthy love. An intoxicating mix of trip hop and baroque pop, Lana's vocal delivery here is frenzied, high-pitched, and urgent.

Lyric Spotlight:

My old man is a tough man
But he got a soul as sweet as blood red jam
And he shows me, he knows me, every inch of my tar black soul
He doesn't mind I have a flat, broke-down life
In fact, he says he thinks it's what he might like about me
Admires me, the way I roll like a rollin' stone

Album: Chemtrails over the Country Club

Year: 2021

Why We Love It: “Tulsa Jesus Freak” combines country influences with ethereal synth layers creating an unusual soundscape where Lana explores religious imagery. The song most likely refers to ex-boyfriend Sean Larkin, who is from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two had a brief romance that came to an end when Lana allegedly discovered he had been engaged the whole time.

Lyric Spotlight:

Could I come back to the ranch, baby?
I had to get away for a while
Just to rest my nerves, darling
Can I make you laugh with a smile?

Album: Paradise

Year: 2012

Why We Love It: On “Ride,” Americana influences meet confessional lyricism as Lana takes listeners on a journey through personal liberation. 

Lyric Spotlight:

I hear the birds on the summer breeze, I drive fast
I am alone at midnight
Been trying hard not to get into trouble, but I
I've got a war in my mind

Album: Norman F*cking Rockwell

Year: 2019

Why We Love It: “Norman F*cking Rockwell” opens her sixth studio album on a strong note while setting an irreverent tone for what was to come in this praised record. The soft rock piano intro gives way to some jarring lyrics, as is customary for Lana.

Lyric Spotlight:

Goddamn, man-child
You f*cked me so good that I almost said "I love you"
You're fun and you’re wild
But you don't know the half of the shit that you put me through
Your poetry's bad and you blame the news
But I can’t change that, and I can't change your mood

Album: Blue Banisters

Year: 2021

Why We Love It: With "Arcadia," Del Rey delivers an ode to Arcadia, California over lush piano chords. The lyrics portraying her sincere appreciation of a little-known Californian town make it one of the most intriguing and captivating tracks on Blue Banisters.

Lyric Spotlight:

My body is a map of LA
And my heart is like paper, I hate you
I'm not from the land of the palms, so I know I can't stay here
I'm not native, but
My curves, San Gabriel all day
And my lips like the fire licks the bay
If you think that you know yourself, you can come over
Lay your hands on me like you're a Land Rover

Album: Paradise

Year: 2012

Why We Love It: In "American," Lana Del Rey paints a dreamy portrait of young love set against an Americana backdrop. This nostalgic pop track from her Paradise EP was produced by early collaborators Rick Nowels and Emile Hayni, and stands out for its romantic lyricism and timeless melody.

Lyric Spotlight:

Everybody wants to go fast
But they can't compare
I don't really want the rest
Only you can take me there
I don't even know what I'm saying
But I'm praying for you

Album: Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd

Year: 2023

Why We Love It: The wordy “Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” refers to the now-defunct Jergins Tunnel in Long Beach. Lana draws an unexpected parallel between the structure and herself, wondering when the public will deem her irrelevant as well. The song also references older songwriters Harry Nilsson and John Lennon, from whom she takes inspiration.

Lyric Spotlight:

Open me up, tell me you like me
F*ck me to death, love me until I love myself
There's a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard
Don't forget me
There's a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard

Album: Lust for Life

Year: 2017

Why We Love It: On “Cherry,” dark pop meets poetic imagery as she bares her soul over distorted guitar riffs. Sprinkled with expletive ad-libs, this passionate ballad from Lust for Life stands out for its raw vulnerability and intense emotion.

Lyric Spotlight:

Love, is it real love?
It's like smilin' when the firin' squad's against ya
And you just stay lined up, yeah (F*ck)

Album: Paradise

Year: 2012

Why We Love It: In “Gods & Monsters,” Del Rey delves into the darker side of fame against an eerie trip-hop backdrop. Its introspective lyrics exemplify her early attitude of “live fast, die young.”

Lyric Spotlight:

You got that medicine I need
Dope, shoot it up, straight to the heart, please
I don't really wanna know what's good for me
God's dead, I said, "Baby, that's alright with me"

Album: Blue Banisters

Year: 2021

Why We Love It: With "Text Book," Del Rey delivers a track of self reflection over somber piano chords. Lana showcases another facet of her artistry here, highlighting her ability to intertwine personal narratives with broader themes.

Lyric Spotlight:

You've got a Thunderbird, my daddy had one, too
Let's rewrite history, I'll do this dance with you
You know I'm not that girl, you know I'll never be
Maybe just the way we're different could set me free

Album: Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd

Year: 2023

Why We Love It: Produced by Lana as well as Jack Antonoff, “Fishtail” features a bare-bones synthetic backdrop as Lana's voice barely reaches above a whisper. The title of the song both refers to braiding hair as well as a lover's inconsistency.

Lyric Spotlight:

Skippin' rope in the bayou, bayou
Slip softly in terrain
Not that smart, but I've got things to say
Palm trees in black and white
I like to watch them sway
You're so funny, I wish I could skinny-dip inside your mind

Album: Ultraviolence

Year: 2014

Why We Love It: “Brooklyn Baby” is a folky tune from Ultraviolence where Lana pokes fun at hipster culture over reverb-drenched guitars. It’s appreciated for its satirical edge hidden within catchy hooks and hazy production.

Lyric Spotlight:

They say I'm too young to love you
I don't know what I need
They think I don't understand
The freedom land of the seventies

Album: Chemtrails over the Country Club

Year: 2021

Why We Love It:  In “Chemtrails Over The Country Club,” Del Rey marries nostalgia-tinged lyrics with airy melodies creating a pastoral dreamworld. Its ethereal sound marked another high point in Lana's ever-evolving musical journey.

Lyric Spotlight:

You're in the wind, I'm in the water
Nobody's son, nobody's daughter
Watching the chemtrails over the country club

Album: Ultraviolence

Year: 2014

Why We Love It: “Florida Kilos” closes out Ultraviolence on an edgy note as she sings about drug trade over catchy guitar hooks - yet again showing how Lana fearlessly explores unconventional topics through music. Director Harmony Korine contributes as a writer on the track.

Lyric Spotlight:

Come on down to Florida
I got something for ya
We could see the kilos or the Keys, baby, oh yeah
Guns in the summertime
Chic-a-Cherry Cola lime
Prison isn't nothing to me if you'll be by my side

Album: Lust for Life

Year: 2017

Why We Love It: In “Love,” ethereal harmonies meet vintage vibes as Lana serenades young lovers over soaring strings. The heartfelt message coupled with timeless production give off an admirable sincerity.

Lyric Spotlight:

You get ready, you get all dressed up
To go nowhere in particular
Back to work or the coffee shop
Doesn't matter 'cause it's enough
To be young and in love

Album: Ultraviolence

Year: 2014

Why We Love It: Rock’n’roll meets dream-pop as Lana sings about bicoastal love. “West Coast,” with its beachy video and thumping drums, is yet another love letter to California - one of many in the singer's catalogue.

Lyric Spotlight:

Down on the West coast, they love their movies
Their golden gods and rock 'n' roll groupies
And you've got the music
You've got the music in you, don't you?

Album: Blue Banisters

Year: 2021

Why We Love It: “Dealer” was shuffled around and teased on various albums until the track leaked. Finally included on Blue Banisters, the song features one of Lana's most impassioned vocal performances.

Lyric Spotlight:

I don't wanna live
I don't wanna give you nothing
'Cause you never give me nothing back
Why can't you be good for something?
Not one shirt off your back
Why can't you be good for something?
Not one shirt off your back