Old Money (Lana Del Rey song)

"Old Money" is a song by American recording artist Lana Del Rey taken from her third studio album, Ultraviolence (2014).^[1] It was written by Del Rey and producer Dan Heath.

Background and composition

"Old Money" was written by Del Rey, Dan Heath, Robbie Fitzsimmons, and produced by Dan Heath. It is a development, both melodically and lyrically, of an early demo titled "Methamphetamines" which in itself is melodically inspired by Nino Rota's "What Is a Youth" (or "Love Theme From Romeo and Juliet").^[2] The song has a simple production featuring only layered vocals, piano and a string ensemble.

"Old Money is probably one of tracks on the record that's the most idyllic of them all. It's more based in fantastical snapshots I have of being on the corner of Hollywood and vine, like I was channeling something, it's really my oldest track on the record because it's a song that's been in the works for about five years, it was called Methamphetamines at first and what's funny is, I had to talk to my publishing company because I didn't know at the time that I was referencing a melody from the original score for Romeo and Juliet from I think the 60's and it was so similar that you know, half of the publishing belongs to them as well now. But obviously I was channeling something really nostalgic. Also for me it's one of my favourite tracks."^[3]

Critical reception

"Old Money" was met with widespread critical acclaim, with many critics praising Lana for her wistful vocal performance.^[4][5] Victoria Sadler of Huffington Post UKspoke of the track highly, saying, "don't be tempted to skip the track". Sadler continued in her positive review of "Old Money", deeming the song a "beautiful, wistful and bittersweet song about lost youth", and closing by saying the song "plucks at the heartstrings".^[4] Joe Goggins of Drowned in Sound mused that the song was a highlight of Ultraviolence. Goggins further commended Lana, by saying, "A sparse piano aside, it’s the only backing she needs to deliver the closest thing Ultraviolence has to a 'Video Games'”.^[6] Sasha Jeffen of Consequence of Sound pondered whether the song was a The Great Gatsby reference, citing Del Rey had provided vocals for ''Young and Beautiful' on the aforementioned film's soundtrack. Jeffen clarified that the song, "sounds like it’s sung through Daisy Buchanan, Gatsby’s lost love whose story was only ever told by the men around her". Jeffen praised Del Rey, stating, "In a way, Del Rey lends even more life to that character than Carey Mulligan did on camera", and closed her review by calling the track an "essential track" on Ultraviolence.^[7]

Music and lyrics

Del Rey uses her imagery through lyrics to paint an image in her listener’s head. The song in particular is of a soft and luxurious world of wealth, however isn’t precisely about old money, or money at all but follows a vague story about emotions and the history of a confused girl. It's a solemn ballad, with wistful vocals complete with a chilling ear-pleasing sound. Prominent lyrics in the song include, "Where have you been?/ Where did you go?/ Those summer nights seem long ago/ And so is the girl you used to call/ The Queen of New York City."^[4]

Live performances

In July 2014, Del Rey performed an a cappella chorus of "Old Money" at Vida Festival in Barcelona, Vilanova. On October 17, 2014, Del Rey performed "Old Money" at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.^[8]

Charts

Due to the release of Ultraviolence, "Old Money" charted in France for the week of 14 July 2014, at position 190.^[9]

Weekly charts

Credits

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Ultraviolence^[11]

Performance credits

References