Text Book

Lana Del Rey's 'Text Book' is a poignant exploration of longing, identity, and the search for connection. The song opens with the artist reflecting on her desire to find a father figure, a theme that is recurrent in her work. She speaks of Brentwood, a neighborhood in Los Angeles known for its affluence, as a place where she sought this paternal presence. The mention of 'her' suggests a third party, possibly a stepmother or a father's partner, contributing to her feelings of displacement and the lack of a loving, stable home life.

The chorus introduces the symbol of a Thunderbird, a classic car that represents Americana and a connection to her father. Del Rey expresses a wish to 'rewrite history,' hinting at a desire to reclaim and reshape her past experiences into something more positive. The dance she refers to could be a metaphor for life's journey or a relationship, with the hope that embracing their differences could be liberating.

The song also touches on contemporary social issues, as Del Rey recounts participating in a Black Lives Matter protest. This moment of activism is juxtaposed with personal reflections on her relationship with her father and her identity. The repeated line 'Old Man River keeps rollin'' serves as a metaphor for the inexorable passage of time and the idea that life goes on, with or without the presence of her father. The river's continuity mirrors her own resilience in the face of emotional turmoil and the search for self.