Burnt Norton (Interlude)

Lana Del Rey's 'Burnt Norton (Interlude)' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that delves into the complex nature of time and its impact on human existence. The lyrics are an adaptation of the first section of 'Burnt Norton,' which is the first of T.S. Eliot's 'Four Quartets.' Del Rey's rendition captures the essence of Eliot's contemplation on the interconnectivity of past, present, and future. The song suggests that all moments in time are interconnected, with the future being shaped by the past and the past continuing to influence the future. The notion that 'all time is eternally present' implies that every moment is part of a larger, timeless continuum, challenging the linear perception of time.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of unrealized potential and the paths not taken. The 'perpetual possibility' and the 'world of speculation' refer to the ideas and actions that remain in the realm of what could have been, rather than what is. This evokes a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, as the listener is prompted to reflect on the choices that have led to their current state and the opportunities that have slipped away. The 'footfalls echo in the memory' and the 'door we never opened' poetically illustrate the lingering thoughts of alternate realities that haunt our memories, suggesting a yearning for the unexplored and the unattainable.

Lana Del Rey's musical style, known for its cinematic quality and themes of romanticism and melancholia, is a perfect vessel for the existential musings of Eliot's poetry. Her ethereal voice and the atmospheric production of the interlude create a dreamlike soundscape that allows the listener to ponder the philosophical questions posed by the lyrics. The song serves as an invitation to explore the depths of time and the human psyche, encouraging introspection and the acceptance of life's inherent uncertainties.