Lana Del Rey is one of the most acclaimed and influential singers of our time. Her unique style of music blends nostalgia, romance, and melancholy with cinematic soundscapes and poetic lyrics. She has released nine studio albums, including her latest one, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd is her ninth studio album, which came out in March 2023.
One of the songs from this album that has captured the attention of fans and critics alike is The Grants, the opening track and the third single. The song is a heartfelt homage to Del Rey’s family and the memories she cherishes of them. In this article, we will explore the meaning and inspiration behind this beautiful song.
What is The Grants about?
The Grants is a song that expresses Del Rey’s love and gratitude for her family, especially those who have passed away or are no longer in her life. She sings about how she will take their memories with her, even in the afterlife. She also reflects on her own legacy and what she will leave behind for her loved ones.
The song is named after Del Rey’s real surname: she was born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant. She co-wrote the song with Mike Hermosa, who also worked with her on some of her previous songs, such as White Dress and Chemtrails Over the Country Club.
The song has a gospel-influenced sound, with soft piano chords and harmonising background vocals by Melodye Perry, Pattie Howard, and Shikena Jones provide the background vocals, all of whom appeared in 20 Feet from Stardom, a 2013 documentary that focused on the lives of background vocalists. The song begins with their attempts to sing the chorus, with some instruction among one of them: “One more time, you ready?”
The lyrics are full of religious imagery and references to heaven, memories, and family. Del Rey asks her lover or family member if they think about heaven and she recalls the words of a pastor who once told her that when they die, all they take with them are their memories. She then declares that she will take hers of them with her:
“And I’m gonna take mine of you with me I’m gonna take mine of you with me“
She also mentions some specific memories that are dear to her, such as her sister’s firstborn child, her grandmother’s last smile, and her uncle, who died during a climb to the Rocky Mountains. She references the song Rocky Mountain High by John Denver, which is about finding peace and joy in nature.
Like “Rocky Mountain High” The way John Denver sings
She ends the song with a simple but powerful affirmation:
It’s a beautiful life Remember that too for me
Why did Lana Del Rey write The Grants?
Lana Del Rey has always been open about her personal life and experiences in her music. She often draws inspiration from her relationships, emotions, dreams, and struggles. She has also been vocal about her admiration and appreciation for her family, especially her parents and siblings.
In an interview with Billboard, Del Rey said that much of her album Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd revolves around her family affairs. She said that she wanted to honour them and their stories in her songs. She also said that she felt a sense of urgency to write about them while they are still alive.
She explained:
“I just wanted to make sure I got it all down while I still had them here. I wanted to make sure I got it right.”
She also revealed that The Grants was one of the first songs she wrote for the album. She said that she was inspired by a conversation she had with her uncle before he passed away. He told her that he was proud of her and that he loved her music. She said:
“He was like, ‘You know what? I’m really proud of you. And I love your music.’ And I was like, ‘Wow.’ Because he was kind of a tough guy. And I thought, ‘Wow, maybe I should write something about him.’”
She added that she wanted to write something that would make him happy and proud.
How did The Grants perform on the charts?
The Grants was released as the third single from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd on March 14, 2023. It was premiered on BBC 1 Radio’s Hottest Record, where Del Rey talked about the song and its meaning.
The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its emotional depth, musical quality, and lyrical content. Some of them called it one of Del Rey’s best and most personal songs to date.
The song also performed well on the charts, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It also became Del Rey’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart. It was nominated for several awards, including a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance.
Conclusion
The Grants is a song that showcases Lana Del Rey’s talent and versatility as a singer-songwriter. It is a touching tribute to her family and the memories she holds dear. It is also a song that resonates with many listeners who can relate to its themes of love, loss, and legacy.
If you are a fan of Lana Del Rey or just enjoy good music, you should definitely check out The Grants and the rest of her album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. You can also read the lyrics below.
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Lana Del Rey The Grants Lyrics
Intro
One, two, ready
I’m gonna take mine with you with me
Ah, “mine,” say it again
“Mine of you with me,” thank you, one more time
One, two, ready
I’m gonna take mine of you with me
I’m gonna take mine of you with me
I’m gonna take mine of you with me
Like “Rocky Mountain High,” the way John Denver sings
Verse 1
So you say there’s a chance for us
Should I do a dance for once?
You’re a family man, but
But
Pre-Chorus
Do you think about Heaven?
Oh-oh, do you think about me?
My pastor told me when you leave, all you take
Oh-oh, is your memory
Chorus
And I’m gonna take minе of you with me
I’m gonna take mine of you with mе
Yeah, I’m gonna take mine of you with me
Like “Rocky Mountain High,” the way John Denver sings
Verse 2
So many mountains too high to climb
So many rivers so long, but I’m
Doin’ the hard stuff,I’m doin’ my time
I’m doin’ it for us, for our family line
Pre-Chorus
Do you think about Heaven?
Oh-oh, do you think about me?
My pastor told me (I’ll do it, I’ll do it)
When you leave, all you take (I did it, I did it)
Oh-oh, is your memories
Chorus
And I wanna take mine of you with me
I’m gonna take mine of you with me
Yeah, I’m gonna take mine of you with me
Like “Rocky Mountain High,” the way John Denver sings
Bridge
My sister’s first-born child
I’m gonna take that too with me
My grandmother’s last smile (Ah)
I’m gonna take that too with me
It’s a beautiful life (Ah)
Remember that too for me
[Outro]
Ah
Ah
Ah, ah
