The song “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey is an interesting piece of music. It was initially released in 2013 as a part of a soundtrack for the movie The Great Gatsby, based on the novel of the same name (Sia, 2013). The song’s lyrics were inspired by one of the novel’s characters, Daisy Buchanan, and her approach to life as well as her romantic relationship with Gatsby (Sia, 2013). This song fits Daisy’s personality, as she believes in the role of beauty in a woman’s happiness. Lana Del Rey both confirms and challenges this idea as the lyrics progress.
This song is also in line with Del Rey’s style. While it is not clearly stated in relation to this song, Del Rey often takes inspiration from the novel Lolita, especially the idea of a young woman who is naïve and beautiful (Sia, 2013). However, this song has many phrases that suggest nostalgia for being young. Del Rey is worried that a man she loves may not love her when she is no longer young. She is afraid of losing him and is devoted to the end, asking to bring him with her when she gets “to heaven” (Del Rey, 2013). These lyrics show fear and anxiety of the future as well as the singer’s belief that her love is infinite.
The mood of the lyrics fits the instrumental arrangement and vocals perfectly. The singer’s voice is quiet, and her pronunciation is somewhat slurred, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The song is performed in a B minor key, and one can hear mostly classical instruments – strings and muted percussion (TuneBat, 2022). The BPM of the song is 115, which means it is in allegro moderato tempo (TuneBat, 2022). However, the piece does not feel cheerful or energetic – in contrast, it is nostalgic and conflicting. It is interesting that the singer’s voice is the main sound that attracts one’s attention, while the instruments take on a secondary role. The composition is minimal, and its slowness and echo add to the feeling of being in a fantasy.
When listening to this song, I feel as though I am in a trance. It evokes both sadness and desperation for love – the lyrics mirror these ideas. In the beginning, Del Rey sings, “I’ve seen the world, done it all,” noting that she has already lived a life filled with luxury and leisure (Del Rey, 2013). Now, she is concerned whether the man she loves still cares about her. She asks, “Will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?” and repeatedly answers her own question, “I know you will,” as if convincing herself (Del Rey, 2013). The lyrics make me think about the love I have felt before, as well as the worrying and anxiousness that feelings of jealousness and mistrust bring. The song also brings up ideas of lavish lifestyles, as the character portrayed by Del Rey is probably a rich woman who has everything she needs. I imagine parties just like those described in The Great Gatsby.
Overall, this piece of music demonstrates that minimal composition can enhance the song’s mood. “Young and Beautiful” is a simple song with many repetitions, and the featured instruments are quiet and simple. The singer’s voice is at the center, and Lana Del Rey creates the atmosphere with her unique and highly emotive range. The song’s inspiration also demonstrates that some literary classics can easily be adapted for modern times, as such feelings as love are timeless.
References
Del Rey, L. (2013). Lana Del Rey – Young and Beautiful (Official Music Video) [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Sia, N. (2013). Hear Lana Del Rey’s ‘Young and Beautiful,’ a vapid, foreboding ‘Great Gatsby’ original. Spin. Web.
TuneBat. (2022). Key & BPM for Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey. Web.