Fordham Road

Lana Del Rey's song 'Fordham Road' delves into the complexities of inner conflict and the struggle between desire and restraint. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey through a challenging neighborhood, symbolizing a personal journey through difficult emotions and decisions. The mention of '30 Blocks to Fordham Road' and the 'gray house on the corner' sets a somber tone, suggesting a place of temptation or danger that the narrator knows they should avoid. The stone Mary in the garden serves as a moral compass, reminding the narrator to walk away from potential harm.

The recurring theme of walking away highlights the narrator's internal battle. Despite an inexplicable urge to stay, they recognize the need to leave, emphasizing the importance of self-preservation. The line 'I catch a dollar in the wind and I buy a cup of coffee' introduces a moment of simplicity and normalcy amidst the chaos, while the reference to 'a place on Valentine that still charge ninety cent' evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for simpler times.

The song's chorus, 'I don’t know why it is that I wanna stay... I’m just gonna walk away,' encapsulates the essence of the struggle between what one desires and what one knows is right. The juxtaposition of daytime and nighttime imagery further underscores the narrator's internal conflict, with nighttime representing a time of reflection and clarity. The repeated declaration that 'It’s the greatest day' suggests a sense of triumph in choosing to walk away, despite the difficulty of the decision. Through 'Fordham Road,' Lana Del Rey masterfully explores themes of temptation, self-awareness, and the courage to make difficult choices.