Cherry
Lana Del Rey
The Intoxicating Blend of Love and Destruction in Lana Del Rey's 'Cherry'
Lana Del Rey's 'Cherry' is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love, juxtaposing its sweetness with the potential for destruction. Known for her cinematic style and melancholic themes, Del Rey often delves into the darker side of romance, and 'Cherry' is no exception. The song's lyrics paint a picture of a love so intense that it borders on the dangerous, evoking a sense of vulnerability and chaos that comes with deep emotional connections.
The repeated phrase 'I fall to pieces when I'm with you' captures the essence of losing oneself completely in another person. The metaphor of 'cherries and wine, rosemary and thyme' suggests a rich, sensory experience that is both intoxicating and potentially overwhelming. These elements, traditionally associated with sweetness and pleasure, are contrasted with the idea of being 'ruined,' indicating that the relationship brings both ecstasy and devastation. Del Rey's use of religious exclamations like 'can I get a fuckin' hallelujah?' adds a layer of sacrilege, hinting at the sinful and forbidden nature of the love she's describing.
The song's imagery of a rose garden set on fire and black beaches ruined further illustrates the destructive power of this love. The 'celluloid scenes torn at the seams' suggest a perfect, movie-like romance that's been damaged, reflecting the disillusionment that can come with real-life relationships. Del Rey's emotive delivery and the rawness of the lyrics, interspersed with expletives, convey a sense of urgency and passion. 'Cherry' is a testament to the duality of love, where the very thing that brings joy can also bring pain, and Del Rey masterfully captures this dichotomy in her music.