Come When You Call Me America
Lana Del Rey
The Allure and Complexity of America in Lana Del Rey's 'Come When You Call Me America'
Lana Del Rey's 'Come When You Call Me America' is a haunting and evocative exploration of the American dream and its multifaceted nature. The song opens with the spelling out of 'A-M-E-R-I-C-A,' immediately setting the stage for a deep dive into the cultural and emotional landscape of the United States. The repeated phrase 'Come when you call me' suggests a sense of loyalty and readiness, perhaps reflecting the artist's complex relationship with her homeland. The lyrics oscillate between a sense of freedom and a darker, more ominous undertone, encapsulating the duality of the American experience.
The lines 'I do whatever I want / You can do whatever you' highlight the theme of individual freedom, a cornerstone of American identity. However, this freedom is juxtaposed with the imagery of 'Hand to hand, gun to gun,' hinting at the violence and conflict that also characterize the nation. The song's chorus, 'Just like the silence of the night,' evokes a sense of quiet anticipation, as if something significant is always on the horizon. This could be interpreted as the perpetual state of hope and anxiety that many Americans feel.
Lana Del Rey's use of the term 'daddy' in 'Tell me your story daddy' adds another layer of complexity. It could be seen as a reference to the older generation or the founding fathers, asking them to recount the history and ideals that shaped the country. The song's closing lines, 'You can say whatever you wanna say about me / Stay in your room, get in your bed / Maybe then you get me inside your head,' suggest a defiance and a challenge to understand the true essence of America. Through her poetic and enigmatic lyrics, Lana Del Rey captures the allure, contradictions, and enduring mystery of the American dream.