Hollywood's Dead

Lana Del Rey's 'Hollywood's Dead' is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of love and the decay of the once-glamorous Hollywood. The song weaves a narrative of a love affair that is as doomed as the golden era of Hollywood itself, suggesting a parallel between personal heartbreak and the fall of cultural icons. Lana Del Rey is known for her cinematic style and themes of tragic romance, nostalgia, and glamour, which are all present in this song.

The lyrics evoke the imagery of classic Hollywood stars like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, who symbolize the peak of Hollywood's glamour. Del Rey references these icons to illustrate the grandeur of the past, now lost or 'dead.' The mention of 'Elvis is cryin'' and 'Marilyn's sad' personifies Hollywood as a place of sorrow, mourning its own decline. The song's chorus, with its haunting repetition of 'Hollywood's dead,' reinforces the theme of loss and the end of an era. The artist's portrayal of her love interest with '50s cool' and 'Sinatra aloof' further ties the personal relationship to the bygone Hollywood era, suggesting that both the relationship and the old Hollywood are relics of the past.

The song also touches on the theme of destructive attraction. The protagonist admits to falling for 'the wrong guy' and being drawn to 'things that are bad,' which could be a metaphor for the allure of a Hollywood lifestyle that is ultimately harmful. The repeated line 'you're sickeningly beautiful' captures the essence of this attraction—something that is so appealing on the surface yet detrimental beneath. Del Rey's lament is not just for a personal romantic loss but also for the loss of an age of innocence and splendor in Hollywood.