Florida Kilos
Lana Del Rey
The Alluring Darkness of 'Florida Kilos'
Lana Del Rey's 'Florida Kilos' is a song that paints a vivid picture of a hedonistic and dangerous lifestyle, wrapped in the allure of the Florida sun and the high stakes of the drug trade. The lyrics are rich with references to drug use, specifically cocaine, which is colloquially known as 'yayo.' The song's chorus invites the listener to 'Come on down to Florida,' suggesting an escape to a place where one can indulge in the pleasures of drugs ('kilos') and the beauty of the Florida Keys. The mention of 'Guns in the summertime' and the nonchalant attitude towards prison imply a life that is constantly on the edge, where the law is just another obstacle to be navigated.
The song's verses further delve into the drug-fueled escapism that characterizes the narrative. Lana Del Rey's sultry voice and the dreamy, languid melody create a sense of intoxication, mirroring the effects of the drugs she describes. The repeated use of 'yayo' throughout the song serves as a mantra, emphasizing the central role of cocaine in this lifestyle. The line 'Prison isn't nothing to me if you'll be by my side' suggests a romanticized view of loyalty and love amidst a chaotic world of crime and excess.
Culturally, 'Florida Kilos' taps into the mythos of Florida as a hotbed for drug trafficking, a theme popularized by media and news stories. The song's aesthetic and lyrical content align with Lana Del Rey's musical style, which often explores themes of Americana, nostalgia, and the darker side of the American dream. The glamorous depiction of a criminal lifestyle, mixed with a sense of fatalism and the pursuit of pleasure, creates a complex narrative that both critiques and glamorizes the world it portrays.