Blue Velvet

Lana Del Rey's rendition of 'Blue Velvet' is a cover of the classic song originally released in 1950 by Tony Bennett and made famous by Bobby Vinton in 1963. The song is known for its lush, dreamy atmosphere and melancholic undertones, which align well with Lana Del Rey's signature style that often evokes a sense of nostalgia and cinematic quality in her music.

The lyrics of 'Blue Velvet' paint a picture of a deep and passionate love affair, symbolized by the blue velvet worn by the woman in the song. The velvet is a metaphor for the love shared between the narrator and the woman, with its softness and richness reflecting the depth and intensity of their feelings. The color blue is often associated with sadness and longing, which suggests that the love they shared is now a memory. The repeated references to the night, stars, and the warmth of May convey a romantic and timeless quality to the love they experienced.

However, the song also speaks to the transient nature of love and the pain of its loss. The narrator clings to the memory of the love they shared, which remains precious and warm despite the passage of time. The imagery of the flame burning brightly that fades when she leaves captures the ephemeral quality of the relationship. The final lines, 'And I still can see Blue Velvet through my tears,' reveal the enduring emotional impact of the love affair, suggesting that the narrator is still moved by the memory even as it brings tears.