Once Upon a Dream

Lana Del Rey's rendition of 'Once Upon a Dream' is a hauntingly beautiful cover of the classic song from the 1959 Disney film 'Sleeping Beauty.' The lyrics speak of a deep connection between two people, one that feels both timeless and destined. The repeated phrase 'I know you' suggests a profound recognition, as if the singer and the subject of the song have known each other beyond the confines of the present moment. The reference to walking 'once upon a dream' evokes a sense of nostalgia and a longing for a return to that dreamlike state where they were together.

The song's chorus emphasizes the certainty that the person will love the singer again, 'at once,' just as they did in the past. This belief in an unchanging, enduring love adds a layer of romantic idealism to the song. The phrase 'visions are seldom all they seem' introduces a hint of doubt, acknowledging that reality may not always align with our dreams or memories. However, the overall tone of the song is one of hope and a belief in the power of love to transcend time and reality.

Lana Del Rey's interpretation brings a modern and ethereal quality to the song, which originally had a more innocent and fairy-tale-like feel. Her distinctive voice and the atmospheric production give the song a sense of mystery and longing that aligns with her usual musical themes of tragic romance and nostalgia. The song becomes a bridge between the fantastical love of fairy tales and the complex emotions of contemporary relationships.