The American singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey became popular in 2011 with “Video Games” on Saturday Night Live. Afterward, she influenced mainstream pop music with her singing about sadness. Her first album, Born to Die, was a big success, and her style was seen in fashion and on Tumblr.
Del Rey went on to release more successful albums and tour the world. Her unique voice also found success in cinema, leading her to collaborate with filmmakers and write songs for their movies. In the article, we will share the list of every original song Lana Del Rey wrote.
The Great Gatsby
Del Rey’s song “Young and Beautiful” was featured in the movie “The Great Gatsby,” which starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and Carey Mulligan. The movie tells the story of Jay Gatsby, who throws lavish parties in the 1920s to win back his love, Daisy.
The film combined 1920s aesthetics with modern music, and Lana Del Rey’s nostalgic music was a perfect fit for the movie. “Young and Beautiful” was a commercial success, reaching number 22 on the Billboard 100 and earning Lana Del Rey a Grammy nomination.
Big Eyes
In 2014, the movie “Big Eyes,” directed by Tim Burton and featuring Amy Adams and Christopher Waltz, was released. The film is based on true events and tells the story of painter Walter Keane, who gained fame for his portraits of people with big eyes. However, the real painter behind the artwork was his wife Margaret. Lana Del Rey contributed two songs to the film, including “Big Eyes,” which reflects the themes of deception and betrayal experienced by Margaret.
Big Eyes — “I Can Fly”
Lana Del Rey included the song “I Can Fly” in the soundtrack for Big Eyes, which was a perfect fit for the movie. The song tells the story of someone who was held captive like a bird in a cage, and now they can fly and express who they are. It’s linked to the plot of Big Eyes and the story of Margaret. Del Rey delivers the song in her signature style and a well-orchestrated addition to the film.
Maleficent — “Once Upon a Dream”
Lana Del Rey saw continued success after her first album Born To Die with the release of its follow-up, Ultraviolence. In the same year, she contributed to the Disney film Maleficent, offering a fresh perspective on the antagonist in Sleeping Beauty’s story. Despite Del Rey’s contribution being a cover, she managed to give it a haunting and different feel, making it seem like an entirely new song. Her haunting vocals provided a stark contrast to the original Sleeping Beauty, perfectly complementing the untold story of Maleficent.
Euphoria — “Watercolor Eyes”
Lana Del Rey recently contributed to the popular HBO series Euphoria with her original song “Watercolor Eyes.” The song features in the show’s soundtrack for season 2 and portrays the theme of a toxic relationship causing stress and distress. It complements the onscreen challenges faced by characters like Rue and Jules, making it a great addition to the series.
The Age of Adaline — “Life is Beautiful”
The movie “The Age of Adaline” came out in 2015. It was directed by Lee Toland Krieger and features actors like Blake Lively, Harrison Ford, and Michiel Huisman. The story is about Adaline Bowan, played by Blake Lively, who has stayed young for almost eighty years and keeps her secret hidden. When she meets a philanthropist named Ellis Jones, played by Michiel Huisman, she starts to feel alive again and begins to learn more about herself. The original song for the movie, “Life Is Beautiful” by Del Rey, fits perfectly with the movie’s theme of appreciating life and finding beauty in rediscovery.
