Lana Del Rey, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant on June 21, 1985, in New York City, began her musical journey in the early 2000s under various stage names like Lizzy Grant, May Jailer, and Sparkle Jump Rope Queen. However, it was not until 2011, when she adopted the moniker Lana Del Rey and released her single "Video Games," that she attained widespread recognition. Her music, often described as cinematic and melancholic, delves into themes of tragic romance, glamour, and pop culture, with a nostalgic nod to 1950s and 1960s Americana. Over the years, Del Rey has amassed a loyal following and garnered acclaim, with accolades including two Brit Awards, two MTV Europe Music Awards, and a Satellite Award, among numerous other nominations. Her collaborations with notable artists like The Weeknd and Stevie Nicks, along with her albums, have solidified her as a prominent figure in the music industry, with her influence reaching far and wide.
Concerning her song "A&W," it was released as a part of Lana Del Rey's ninth studio album, "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd" on February 14, 2023. In this track, Del Rey explores the "experience of being an American whore," narrating a story of a woman relegated to a "sidepiece" role. The song also touches on serious themes such as loss of innocence, rape culture, and drug use, amid references to cultural elements like "Forensic Files" and "Teenage Diary of a Girl". The song showcases a blend of folk, trap, and pop genres, with two distinct halves - a folk-oriented first half, and a trap-oriented second half, also known as "Jimmy," reflecting some of Del Rey's earlier hip-hop-inspired productions. On March 28, 2023, a demo titled "Earthquakes" from Del Rey's "Ultraviolence" sessions leaked online, featuring interpolated lyrics similar to "A&W," and is seen as a possible precursor to the song.
The discussion surrounding "A&W" and its demo "Earthquakes" elucidates the continuous evolution of Lana Del Rey's musical style and thematic explorations, contributing to the anticipation and discourse among her fanbase for every new release.
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