Past The Bushes Cypress Thriving

Lana Del Rey's 'Past The Bushes Cypress Thriving' is a poetic exploration of personal transformation and artistic identity. The song begins with a reflection in the mirror, noting changes in appearance and demeanor. The lyrics suggest a person who is evolving, perhaps in response to a relationship, as indicated by the reference to wearing hair long 'in solidarity just like all his women.' This could imply a desire to connect with or separate from a past influenced by another's preferences.

The setting shifts to Long Beach, where the subject is described as aimless yet precise, like an artist with a clear vision. This juxtaposition of aimlessness with artistic precision may represent the creative process itself – wandering in thought but deliberate in execution. The mention of 'Georgia O'Keeffe' and 'Georgia peaches' evokes the idea of an artist fully dedicated to their craft, unconcerned with external validation or the passage of time. The song encourages living authentically and embracing one's art as a form of personal truth and existence, 'like no one's listening.'

The final verses paint a picture of a journey down a 'road less travelled,' leading to a moment of clarity. The individual stands 'stoic blue and denim,' with eyes 'clear like Heaven,' signifying a newfound purity or enlightenment. The desire 'not to be forgotten' but to 'disappear' suggests a complex relationship with fame and recognition, a theme often present in Del Rey's work. The song is a rich tapestry of introspection, artistic dedication, and the quest for personal meaning beyond the gaze of others.