Bare Feet On Linoleum

Lana Del Rey's song "Bare Feet On Linoleum" is a poignant exploration of isolation, mental health, and the search for identity. The song opens with a reference to Sylvia Plath, a renowned poet known for her struggles with mental illness and tragic end. By invoking Plath, Del Rey sets a somber tone, urging herself or perhaps others to stay on their path and not succumb to despair. The mention of secrets and watery graves hints at the burdens of hidden truths and the destructive potential of keeping them bottled up, drawing parallels to other tragic figures like Amy Winehouse.

The lyrics delve into the personal turmoil of the narrator, who feels misunderstood and maligned by society. The imagery of perspiration mistaken for dew drops underscores the thin line between reality and perception, a recurring theme in Del Rey's work. The narrator's struggle to maintain mental stability is palpable, as they grapple with the lies and misconceptions spread by others. This battle against external judgment and internal chaos is a central theme, reflecting the artist's own experiences with public scrutiny and personal demons.

As the song progresses, the narrator contemplates various places to find solace and a sense of belonging, from Sonoma to South Dakota. The mention of Mount Rushmore as a potential site for a 'Great American homecoming' symbolizes a quest for identity and acceptance within the broader cultural landscape. Ultimately, the song concludes with a return to the mundane yet grounding act of preparing food, symbolized by the 'bare feet on linoleum.' This act represents a moment of presence and simplicity amidst the chaos, suggesting that true peace may be found in the everyday rather than in grand gestures or distant places.