I Want It All
Lana Del Rey
The Pursuit of Material Dreams in Lana Del Rey's 'I Want It All'
Lana Del Rey's song 'I Want It All' is a vivid portrayal of the pursuit of material wealth and the allure of a luxurious lifestyle. The lyrics depict a character who equates money with success and desires all the trappings that come with it, from 'rings and bling' to the 'sweet skyline.' Del Rey's character is unabashed in her pursuit of wealth, seeing it as a means to achieve her dreams and desires that love alone cannot buy. The repeated line 'Money is the anthem of success' underscores the central theme of the song, which is the glorification of wealth and the high life.
The song also touches on themes of love and power dynamics within relationships. Del Rey's character seems to be in a relationship with a wealthy man, as indicated by references to the Hamptons and a Bugatti Veyron. The relationship is portrayed as transactional, with the man's wealth being a key attraction. The character's desire for 'rings and bling' suggests a longing for commitment and security, but it is intertwined with the need for material possessions. The narrative is set against a backdrop of excess and hedonism, with mentions of 'wining and dining, drinking and driving, excessive buying, overdose and dying,' painting a picture of the darker side of the pursuit of wealth.
Lana Del Rey is known for her cinematic and nostalgic musical style, often exploring themes of Americana, romance, and melancholia. 'I Want It All' fits within her oeuvre as it explores the American Dream's more decadent aspects, questioning the value of materialism and the cost of chasing such a dream. The song's narrative and its portrayal of a love story 'for the new age' reflect a modern society where the lines between love, money, and success are increasingly blurred.