Released: 2014
Lana Del Rey’s “Brooklyn Baby” is a dreamy ode to the bohemian lifestyle, blending nostalgia with modern hipster culture. The song explores themes of youthful rebellion, artistic identity, and the struggle for authenticity in a world that often misunderstands or underestimates the young.
The song kicks off with Lana addressing the criticism she faces for being “too young to love” and not knowing what she needs. This sets the stage for her defiance against societal norms, as she references the “freedom land of the seventies,” a time known for its counterculture movements. Here, she’s channeling that same spirit of rebellion and self-discovery, even if others think she’s too “cool” or “frozen” to understand it.
Lana’s boyfriend is in a band, playing guitar while she sings Lou Reed, a nod to the iconic musician known for his avant-garde style. This relationship is a symbol of her connection to a musical and cultural heritage that values artistic expression. The “feathers in her hair” and “rare jazz collection” paint a picture of a quintessential hipster, someone who embraces the past while living in the present.
In the chorus, she proudly declares herself a “Brooklyn baby,” a title that signifies her identity and lifestyle. Brooklyn, known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse culture, is the perfect backdrop for her artistic persona. The repetition of “ta-da-da-da” adds a whimsical, carefree vibe, reinforcing her youthful spirit.
The second verse delves deeper into the contrasts between her and her partner, likening them to “fire and water” or “wind and sea.” This imagery highlights the push and pull in their relationship, where she’s “cooling down” while he’s “burning up.” Despite these differences, she finds freedom in being herself, a sentiment echoed in her declaration of being “free.”
As the song progresses, Lana addresses her critics directly, telling them to “beat it” if they don’t understand her. This is a classic act up moment, where she asserts her independence and refuses to conform to others’ expectations. Her “boyfriend’s in a band” line is repeated, emphasizing her connection to music and culture, while she gets “high on hydroponic weed,” a nod to the carefree, experimental lifestyle she embraces.
The song wraps up with Lana asserting her coolness over her boyfriend, a playful jab that underscores her confidence and self-assuredness. As a “Brooklyn baby,” she embodies the essence of a modern-day bohemian, blending past influences with her unique, present-day identity.
