Lana Del Rey’s “A&W”—short for “American Whore” is a striking departure from traditional pop narratives, blending folk, trap, and synth-pop with a layered exploration of themes like sexuality, identity, and self-perception.
The seven-minute track is a pivotal work from her ninth studio album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.
Split in two like a cracked mirror, the song travels from childhood memories to a chaotic self-portrait in a drug-stained hotel room.
With its dual structure and daring lyrics, “A&W” captures the essence of Lana’s ability to challenge conventional ideas about love and femininity.
The meaning of Lana Del Rey’s A&W lies in its juxtaposition of innocence and vulgarity, challenging cultural perceptions of womanhood and trauma.
A&W Meaning: Unpacking ‘American Whore’ in Lana Del Rey’s Lyrics
On the surface, A&W evokes the root beer brand, but the title unpacks far more weight.
Lana uses the term “American Whore” not as a slur but a provocation—a challenge to the Madonna-whore binary that continues to shape how women are perceived.
In her typical candid style, she declares: “This is the experience of being an American whore.”
This line encapsulates the song’s central theme of owning one’s identity in a world that imposes labels.
In an interview with Zane Lowe, Lana explained the meaning behind the song:
“I was thinking about what happens when you’re just reduced to this idea of being either good or bad, an American whore or the girl next door. I wanted to explore what happens when you’re none of those things, or maybe both.”
This theme is reflected in the song’s raw lyrics, especially when she states:
“Look at the length of my hair, and my face, the shape of my body. Do you really think I give a damn what I do after years of just hearing them talking?”
Here, Lana confronts the relentless judgment of her appearance and actions, a reflection of the societal expectations she has long navigated.
Lana Del Rey’s Critique of Over-Sexualization and Toxic Relationships in ‘A&W’
A&W was first announced by Lana Del Rey herself in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, where she revealed the meaning behind the title and the inspiration for the song.
She said, “I wanted to write a song that was honest and raw, and that’s why I chose the title ‘A&W.’ It’s a way of reclaiming the word ‘whore’ and turning it into something empowering.”
The track’s title was later leaked on a retailer’s website, listing the album’s vinyl, sparking curiosity and excitement among the fans.
The song was officially released on February 14, 2023, marking a significant moment in Del Rey’s musical journey.
Musical Structure of Lana Del Rey’s ‘A&W’: From Folk to Trap Beats
The sound of A&W is a blend of retro and modern influences, creating a unique and captivating sonic experience.
The song starts with a soft piano melody, accompanied by Del Rey’s ethereal vocals, creating a nostalgic and melancholic atmosphere.
The piano is then joined by a string section, adding a layer of drama and emotion to the song.
The first part of the song maintains a slow and steady tempo, reflecting Del Rey’s introspective and reflective mood.
The sound of the song changes dramatically in the second part, where the piano and strings are replaced by a synth bass, electric guitar, and drums, creating a more rhythmic and upbeat sound.
The tempo also increases, reflecting Del Rey’s shift to a more energetic and assertive tone.
The song contains a reference to Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop by Little Anthony and the Imperials, a 1959 R&B song that uses the lyrics “Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy, ride.”
Jack Antonoff, who co-produced the track, described the song’s shift:
“It’s like we were building two songs in one—one that reflected Lana’s early folk influences and another that leaned into her hip-hop inspirations.”
Lana’s decision to switch genres midway through the song serves as a metaphor for her own evolution.
This song encompasses all the Lanas we’ve known—folk Lana, trap Lana, and nostalgic Lana—blending them seamlessly into one.
The Lyrics: A Journey from Innocence to Experience
The lyrics of A&W are split into two distinct sections, each offering a glimpse into different stages of Del Rey’s life.
The first part of the song reminisces about her childhood innocence, contrasting sharply with her adult experiences.
The opening lines, “I haven’t done a cartwheel since I was nine / I haven’t seen my mother in a long, long time,” set a nostalgic yet somber tone, indicating a loss of innocence and estrangement.
She also references her Catholic upbringing, singing, “I used to pray to Jesus every night / Now I only pray when I’m in a fight.” This suggests a disillusionment with religion and a loss of faith.
As the song progresses, Del Rey delves into her adulthood, marked by a transformation into a figure of sexual liberation, or as she terms it, an “American whore.”
This transformation is not just about embracing sexuality but also a commentary on how society perceives women who own their sexual agency.
The chorus, “It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymore / No, this is the experience of bein’ an American whore,” is a powerful assertion of self-identity against societal judgment.
She also challenges the double standards that women face, singing, “They call me a slut, they call me a whore / But they don’t know what I do behind closed doors.”
She implies that her sexuality is more complex and nuanced than what society labels her.
The Second Part: A Toxic Love Story
The latter part of A&W shifts to a more rhythmic and upbeat tempo, focusing on a toxic relationship with a character named Jimmy.
This section, infused with references to drug use and dysfunctional love, portrays a complex narrative of seeking affection in the wrong places.
Lana frequently refers to “Jimmy” in her music, a figure who often represents addiction, toxic love, or past lovers.
“Jimmy only loves me when he wants to get high,” she sings, blending her personal struggles with cultural references.
Jimmy appears as a metaphor for the destructive relationships Lana has dealt with, reinforcing her themes of dependence and emotional pain”.
In an interview, Lana shed light on this character: “Jimmy’s always been a stand-in for those toxic, addictive relationships we all have, whether it’s with people or substances.”
The repetitive lines, “Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high,” underscore the conditional and superficial nature of this relationship.
She also expresses her frustration and desperation, singing, “He says he loves me, but he always lies / He says he’ll change, but he never tries.”
She reveals that she is trapped in a cycle of addiction and abuse, unable to break free from Jimmy.
Lana Del Rey’s Use of American Cultural References in ‘A&W’
A&W is not just a personal narrative; it’s a cultural commentary.
One of Lana’s trademarks is her use of American cultural iconography, and A&W is no exception.
From roadside motels to classic soda brands, Lana paints a picture of the fractured American Dream.
“I wanted to write something that felt distinctly American, but also captured the sadness of what that American Dream has become,” Lana said in an interview.
Del Rey touches upon themes like the objectification of women, the struggle for genuine affection, and the harsh realities of toxic relationships.
Her lyrics resonate with many who have navigated similar paths, making A&W a relatable and poignant piece.
She also draws inspiration from other cultural icons, such as Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and Amy Winehouse, who have faced similar challenges and criticisms in their careers.
She pays homage to them, singing, “I’m not the first, I won’t be the last / I’m just another American whore in the past.”
How ‘A&W’ Was Received: From TikTok to Think Pieces
The second half of A&W quickly went viral on TikTok, where users looped the “Jimmy only loves me…” hook.
Critics hailed the track as one of Lana’s boldest. Some praised it as her most unfiltered song since Ultraviolence, while others questioned whether it glamorised trauma. Either way, it started conversations—and that matters.
Del Rey’s Discography: The Evolution of a Musical Icon
A&W holds a unique place in Lana Del Rey’s discography. It showcases her evolution as an artist unafraid to explore the depths of human experience.
Her music has always been a blend of melancholic nostalgia and stark realism, and A&Wcontinues this tradition.
Conclusion: The Impact of Lana Del Rey’s ‘A&W’ on Music and Culture
A&W isn’t a song you hum. It’s one you sit with. One you might want to skip, but can’t. Lana Del Rey doesn’t ask to be understood in this track. She dares you to look anyway.
_”I’m a ghost now, look how you hold me now”
Whether you call it confessional or chaotic, A&W is Lana holding a mirror up to herself—and to everyone watching.
Stream A&W on Spotify:
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Lana Del Rey’s A&W Lyrics
Verse 1
I haven’t done a cartwheel since I was nine
I haven’t seen my mother in a long, long time
I mean, look at me
Look at the length of my hair, and my face, the shape of my body
Do you really think I give a damn
What I do after years of just hearing them talking?
Pre-Chorus
I say I live in Rosemead, really, I’m at the Ramada
It doesn’t really matter, doesn’t really, really matter
Chorus
Call him up, “Come into my bedroom”
Ended up, we fuck on the hotel floor
It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymorе
This is the experiеnce of bein’ an American whore
Verse 2
Called up one drunk, called up another
Forensic Files wasn’t on
Watching Teenage Diary of a Girl
Wondering what went wrong
I’m a princess, I’m divisive
Ask me why, why, why I’m like this
Maybe I’m just kinda like this
I don’t know, maybe I’m just like this
Pre-Chorus
I say I live in Rosemead, really, I’m at the Ramada
It doesn’t really matter, doesn’t really, really matter
Chorus
Call him up, he comes over again
Yeah, I know I’m over my head but, oh
It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymore
No, this is the experience of bein’ an American whore
Verse 3
I mean look at my hair
Look at the length of it and the shape of my body
If I told you that I was raped
Do you really think that anybody would think
I didn’t ask for it? I didn’t ask for it
I won’t testify, I already fucked up my story
On top of this (Mm), so many other things you can’t believe
Did you know a singer can still be
Looking like a sidepiece at thirty-three?
Got a cop who turned on the backbeat
Puts the shower on while he calls me
Slips out the back door to talk to me
I’m invisible, look how you hold me
I’m invisible, I’m invisible
I’m a ghost now, look how you hold me now
Chorus
It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymore (Oh, okay)
No, this is the experience of bein’ an American whore
It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymore
No, this is the experience of bein’ an American whore
Part II
Intro
This is the experience of bein’ an American whore
This is the experience of bein’ an American whore
This is the experience of bein’ an American whore
Woo
Chorus
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy, ride
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, get me high (Oh my god)
Love me if you love or not, you can be my light
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fuckin’ up big time
Post-Chorus
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fuckin’ up big time
Chorus
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy, ride
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, get me high
Love me if you live and love, you can be my light (Mm)
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fuckin’ up big time
Verse
Jimmy, you should switch it up, baby, light it up (Yeah)
Jimmy, if you leave the house, find me in the club (Like)
Jimmy, if you switch it up, you should light it up
Jimmy, if you leave the house, find me in the club (Like, surf’s up)
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fuckin’ up big time
But I don’t care, baby, I already lost my mind
Jimmy, if I lie it up, find me in the club (Mind, mind)
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fucking up big time
Chorus
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy, ride
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, get me high
Love me if you love or not, you can be my light
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Your mom called, I told her, you’re fuckin’ up big time
