Lana Del Rey's poetry is deeply influenced by her life, personal struggles, historical context, and cultural roots. One key factor is how her own experiences shape her artistic expression. Del Rey has openly discussed her battles with mental health, substance abuse, and complicated relationships on platforms like Instagram, and throughout her discography. These battles often find their way into her poetic creations like “Happy,” a poem from her poetry book titled “Violet Bent Backwards over the Grass” where Del Rey speaks of an extremely toxic relationship that still impacts her today. She takes an introspective approach, using her emotions, vulnerabilities, and personal challenges to create raw and authentic expressions of her identity. One example of these qualities resides in a quote from Del Rey’s poem titled “SportCruiser:” “Not tactfully and not gently the instructor shook his head / and without looking at me said, ‘you don’t trust yourself.’ / I was horrified. Feeling as though I had somehow been found out. / Like he knew me- / how weak i was.” (Del Rey, lines 37-40) Del Rey lets herself appear weak, frightened, and vulnerable because in many cases, she is. Another example of Del Rey using her vulnerabilities and emotions comes from a quote found in her poem titled “Bare feet on linoleum”: “The secrets you keep will keep you in deep like father and Amy and brother” (Del Rey, lines 5-6) Del Rey was strongly influenced by Amy Winehouse, an extremely talented and well-known singer who unfortunately passed in 2011. Del Rey is referencing Amy’s passing here, which many know affected her to the point of almost ending her career, and using it as a warning. Del Rey writes that the secrets mentioned will trap the person she’s speaking to “in deep like Amy.” (six feet under the ground/dead) Historical context also plays a vital role in Del Rey's poetry. She draws inspiration from mid-20th-century American culture, blending nostalgia, vintage Americana, and the concept of the American Dream. Her lyrics often paint pictures of old Hollywood, vintage aesthetics, like Americana, and references to iconic figures from the past, like Elvis Presley. This historical connection serves as a backdrop for exploring themes like fame, love, and the pursuit of happiness, adding layers of depth to her poetic narratives. Cultural background is another significant influence in Del Rey's poetry. As an American artist, she reflects on the cultural landscape and societal values that have shaped her. Del Rey critiques and challenges the expectations and ideals associated with fame, beauty, and success in modern American society. Del Rey's poetry deeply explores the complexities of female identity and the pressures placed on women, offering a perspective that questions societal norms. Del Rey's poetry is characterized by a unique blend of romanticism, melancholy, and a touch of rebellion, creating narratives that transport readers to specific settings and emotions. Through her distinctive poetic voice, she invites listeners and readers to immerse themselves in her world, where she explores the landscapes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. In summary, Lana Del Rey's life, personal struggles, historical context, and cultural background intersect to shape her artistic works, including her poetry. By drawing from her own experiences and emotions, while also incorporating elements of history and cultural critique, she creates a platform for introspection, social commentary, and exploration of themes that resonate with her personal journey and her vision of the experience of life.