Born to Die (song)

{{Listen

| filename = Lana Del Rey - Born to Die.ogg

| title = "Born to Die"

| description = A 28-second sample of the song's final chorus which recalls the music scores of Gone with the Wind (1939) and Western (1997).

| format = Ogg

| pos = left

}}

"Born to Die" was written and composed by Del Rey and Justin Parker, and produced by Emile Haynie.{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/lana-del-rey/12524|title=Lana Del Rey, 'Born To Die'|date=December 2, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|work=NME|first=Priya|last=Elan}} It is a pop and trip hop ballad, and features hip hop-influenced beats and string arrangements in its instrumentation.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8544101/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-songs-that-defined-the-decade|title=Songs That Defined the Decade: Lana Del Rey's 'Born to Die'|magazine=Billboard|date=November 21, 2019|last=Shouneyia|first=Alexa|access-date=January 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228014223/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8544101/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-songs-that-defined-the-decade|archive-date=February 28, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7793184/lana-del-rey-songs-hip-hop|title=The Gangsta Nancy Sinatra: 9 Lana Del Rey Songs That Experiment With Hip-Hop'|magazine=Billboard|date=May 15, 2017|last=Smith|first=Da'Shan|access-date=January 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302010231/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7793184/lana-del-rey-songs-hip-hop|archive-date=March 2, 2021|url-status=live}} The song features "gently apocalyptic" lyrics,{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/lana-del-rey/12535|title=Lana Del Rey – 'Born To Die'|date=December 6, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|work=NME|last=Snapes|first=Laura}} and opens with Del Rey singing "Feet don't fail me now/ Take me to the finish line/ Oh my heart, it breaks every step that I take/ But I'm hoping at the gates, they'll tell me that you're mine." According to the singer, the song is a "homage to true love and a tribute to living life on the wild side", theme that is perceived in lines such as "Let me kiss you hard in the pouring rain, you like your girls insane."{{cite web|url=http://www.pitchfork.com/news/44795-new-lana-del-rey-born-to-die/|title=New Lana Del Rey: "Born to Die"|last=Phillips|first=Amy|date=December 2, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|work=Pitchfork Media}} In a live performance prior to the release of the single, Del Rey sang "Let me fuck you hard in the pouring rain" instead of "Let me kiss you hard in the pouring rain"; this version continues to be sung at most of her live shows. Laura Snapes of NME compared the background to "melted chocolate waterslide, buffeted by impeccable production", with the John Barry-esque "whipping strings" being noted as similar to the music scores of Gone with the Wind (1939) and Western (1997).{{cite web|last=Neyland|first=Nick|date=December 2, 2011|title=Lana Del Rey: "Born To Die"|work=Prefix Mag|access-date=December 22, 2011|url=http://www.prefixmag.com/media/lana-del-rey/born-2-die/59260/}} "Born to Die" was first released on December 30, 2011, as the second single from the album of the same name. It contains a vocal sample of "Long Red" by Leslie West.{{Cite magazine|last=Graff|first=Gary|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/leslie-west-still-climbing-exclusive-album-premiere-5763138/|title=Leslie West, 'Still Climbing': Exclusive Album Premiere|magazine=Billboard|date=October 21, 2013|access-date=March 30, 2025}}

Following the release of the single, Robert Copsey of Digital Spy commented, "we thought it would be near-impossible for Lana to top the chilling 'Video Games', but her new cut – the title track from her forthcoming album – may just have out-haunted its predecessor."{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a354438/playlist-10-tracks-you-need-to-hear.html|title=Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear|date=December 5, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|work=Digital Spy|last=Copsey|first=Robert}} Laura Snapes of NME considered the song not "quite as flooring as 'Video Games', but then that song is fairly extraordinary",{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=10&title=five_things_we_learned_at_lana_del_rey_s&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1|title=Five Things We Learned At Lana Del Rey's Debut Gig|date=November 11, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|work=NME|last=Snapes|first=Laura}} while Entertainment Weekly contributor Grady Smith considered it a "beautifully dour tune".{{cite magazine|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/12/14/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-video/|title=Lana Del Rey's moody, blood-soaked, tiger-filled 'Born To Die' video: What do you think?|last=Smith|first=Grady|date=December 14, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}

Priya Elan also of NME said the song "is a grower and whilst not as pitch perfect as 'Video Games', it's pretty damn fine". Aaron-Spencer Charles of Metro noted "Lana Del Rey's Born to Die is a slow yet strong song, with Lana singing about her relationship experience over an orchestra. The calm tone of Del Rey's voice sets sad-love mood really well."{{cite web|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/music/885117-music-video-fight-club-lana-del-rey-v-cher-lloyd|title=Lana Del Rey's Born To Die v Cher Lloyd's Dub on the Track: Fight Club|last=Charles|first=Aaron-Spencer|date=December 16, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|work=Metro}} Tim Lee of musicOMH said the song is "essentially 'Video Games' with percussion", and noted that "her (alleged) agents clearly having stumbled upon a formula with which they can (allegedly) print money and (allegedly) further consign Lana's secretive, (allegedly) real debut LP to the annals of history. You didn't hear it from us, right?"{{cite web|url=http://www.musicomh.com/music/features/track-reviews-28-nov-31-dec_1211-1.htm |title=Track Reviews: December 2011 (Part 1) |first1=Tim |last1=Lee |first2=David |last2=Welsh |first3=Michael |last3=Hubbard |date=December 2011 |access-date=December 22, 2011 |work=musicOMH |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110102727/http://www.musicomh.com/music/features/track-reviews-28-nov-31-dec_1211-1.htm |archive-date=January 10, 2012 }}

The music video for "Born to Die" was based on a concept created by Del Rey, and it was directed by Yoann Lemoine,{{cite web|last=Murray|first=Robin|date=December 15, 2011|access-date=December 16, 2011|url=http://www.clashmusic.com/news/watch-lana-del-rey-born-to-die|title=Lana Del Rey – Born to Die: Official Video Drops|publisher=Clash Music}} who previously worked with Katy Perry on "Teenage Dream" (2010) and Taylor Swift on "Back to December" (2010).{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lana-del-rey-turns-up-273829|title=Lana Del Rey Turns Up the Heat in 'Born to Die' Clip (Video)|last=Halperin|first=Shirley|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=December 14, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011}} Del Rey wrote the concept in the form of a treatment she titled, "The Lonely Queen"{{cite web|last=Sheperd|first=Julianne|title=Lana Del Rey Will Kill Herself If SNL Bombs, Loves Weed Rap|url=http://www.mtvhive.com/2012/01/13/lana-del-rey-interview/|work=MTV Hive|access-date=April 3, 2013|date=January 13, 2012|archive-date=October 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004040826/http://www.mtvhive.com/2012/01/13/lana-del-rey-interview/|url-status=dead}} The video was intended to be set in heaven, metaphorically represented by a Romanian castle. While the narrator was flanked by tigers, she would recall memories of being with her beloved. Lemoine took Del Rey's concept and reworked it into something feasible, she said, and she was satisfied with the outcome. Unlike the singer's previous music videos, "Born to Die" had a significantly higher budget and production,{{cite magazine|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/464723/lana-del-rey-goes-big-budget-in-born-to-die-video|title=Lana Del Rey Goes Big-Budget in 'Born to Die' Video|date=December 14, 2011|access-date=December 16, 2011|magazine=Billboard}} with film location taking place at the Palace of Fontainebleau in France. On December 14, 2011, the music video leaked online before the official release; this was followed by a statement released through the singer's Facebook page, which said, "Generally, I'm a man of few words, but I will say that this video is the most beautiful thing I've ever done. I hope you like it – this isn't the time or way I wanted to show you the video but I'm in Beijing with no access to social media, and the videos have been leaked from Russia so someone is posting this for me."{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/lana-del-rey/60990|title=Lana Del Rey's blood splattered 'Born to Die' video leaks online|work=NME|date=December 14, 2011|access-date=December 16, 2011}}

Bradley Soileau plays Del Rey's fictional boyfriend in the video and was interviewed numerous times about the role. Billboard asked if his proximity to Del Rey caused him to become erect, to which he replied: "Embracing her [Del Rey] was easy. Everyone asks the same question, did you have a boner? Ha! No, I didn't. There's a huge crew of people staring at you shouting, moving around, bright lights everywhere. Madness."{{cite magazine|last=DelliCarpini Jr.|first=Gregory|title=Lana Del Rey's Boy Toy in 'Born to Die' – Meet Bradley Soileau|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-hook/510833/lana-del-reys-boy-toy-in-born-to-die-meet-bradley-soileau|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 28, 2012}}{{cite web|title=Lana Del Rey video co-star Bradley Soileau: 'I didn't get a boner filming 'Born To Die|url=http://www.nme.com/news/lana-del-rey/61647|work=NME|access-date=August 28, 2012}} The model landed the role when Armen Djerrahian photographed him for an interview with The Wild''. Djerrahian knew Lemoine and arranged an introduction. He did not meet Del Rey until the day of the video shoot. Recalling the experience, he applauded the production team, saying they were agreeable coworkers, highlighting Del Rey as a soulful and amazing personality. He identified with background dancers and actresses in rap music videos, as they are often sultry and objectified. About his role, he told MTV:

"...the back story. I'm her boyfriend. It's basically like, the boyfriend, you can see the two sides of the relationship where I'm kissing her, then pointing a gun at her head. That's what it is. It's a relationship that is so terrible but neither of them want to leave. That's why when she is in the car, and she wipes the glass, she's looking mad sad, distant, thoughtful. But I’m still trying to get her attention. That's kinda the story for it.

Del Rey said she agreed to allow Soileau to play her fictional boyfriend because he reminded her of a previous lover, namely the one she had written the original concept about.

The video begins with Del Rey seen standing topless in the arms of a tattooed man, played by model Bradley Soileau,{{cite web|url=http://read.mtvhive.com/2011/12/16/actor-lana-del-rey-born-to-die-video/|title=Meet Bradley Soileau, Lana Del Rey's 'Born to Die' Boyfriend|last=Ayers|first=Mike|date=December 16, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|publisher=MTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414080630/http://read.mtvhive.com/2011/12/16/actor-lana-del-rey-born-to-die-video|archive-date=2012-04-14|url-status=dead}} with the American flag as a backdrop. This is actually an animated version of the single cover art. The scene is followed by the singer leaving her home and joining her boyfriend for a long car trip. As they enter the car, they start to smoke marijuana together and make out before leaving. While on the road, the relationship of the couple is revealed to be unstable,{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/44841-video-lana-del-rey-born-to-die/|title=Video: Lana Del Rey: "Born to Die"|last2=Phillips|first2=Amy|last1=Pelly|first1=Jenn|date=December 14, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|work=Pitchfork Media}} as Del Rey is forced to kiss her boyfriend while expressing sadness. The trip intercuts with scenes of the couple staying at a luxurious hotel, where they are seen lying on a bed together with the boyfriend ominously holding Del Rey's throat at one point.{{cite web|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/music/884969-lana-del-rey-debuts-sexy-born-to-die-video-which-ends-with-her-gory-death|title=Lana Del Rey debuts sexy Born to Die video which ends with her gory death|last=Lee|first=Ann|date=December 15, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2011|work=Metro|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103081946/http://www.metro.co.uk/music/884969-lana-del-rey-debuts-sexy-born-to-die-video-which-ends-with-her-gory-death|url-status=dead}} As Del Rey makes her way out the hotel, the scene cuts back to an apparent car accident, with the singer's bloodied corpse being carried by her lover as a huge fire burns behind them. Also, the video intercuts scenes shot at the Palace of Fontainebleau, showing Del Rey sitting on a throne with tigers beside her in the Trinity Chapel or walking in the Gallery of Francis I. The video ends with the opening scene.

The music video received generally positive reviews from critics. Jason Lipshutz of Billboard compared the car scenes to the ones of Rihanna's music video for "We Found Love"; Ann Lee of Metro considered the music video "sexy", with Rolling Stone journalist Matthew Perpetura noting that, "just like the song itself, it's bleakly romantic and majestic in its scope."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/videos/new-and-hot/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-20111214|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107201051/http://www.rollingstone.com/videos/new-and-hot/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-20111214|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2012|date=December 14, 2011|title=Video: "Born to Die"|last=Perpetua|first=Matthew|access-date=December 22, 2011|magazine=Rolling Stone}} Becky Bain of Idolator commented that "Interscope apparently has much faith in Del Rey, as the video for her second single, 'Born to Die', looks like it has the budget of about 15 of her 'Video Games' clips."{{cite web|url=http://idolator.com/6112162/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-video|title=Lana Del Rey Releases 'Born to Die' Video|last=Bain|first=Becky|access-date=December 22, 2011|date=December 14, 2011|work=Idolator|archive-date=June 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610014613/http://www.idolator.com/6112162/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-video|url-status=dead}} Bain also noted that "besides jungle cats, Lana’s vid features a gorgeous church, a tattooed amour, and a fiery crash" and questioned, "did you really think a song called 'Born to Die' would end with Lana and her sweetie walking off into the sunset together?" The music video won Best Pop Video – International at the UK Music Video Awards, and was nominated for Best Art Direction at the MTV Video Music Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukmva.com/user/docs/UKMVAs_2012_Nominations_PR.pdf|title=2012 UK MVA Nominations|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930000808/http://www.ukmva.com/user/docs/UKMVAs_2012_Nominations_PR.pdf |archive-date=September 30, 2013|work=UK Music Video Awards|access-date=October 8, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mtv-video-music-awards-winners-vmas-368553|title=VMAs 2012: Complete Winners List|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 6, 2012 |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=September 7, 2012}}

File:Lana Del Rey at Irving Plaza (cropped).jpg during her Born to Die Tour (2012).]]

"Born to Die" was performed by Del Rey in a number of live appearances, including at the Bowery Ballroom, where, according to Eliot Glazer of New York, "the polarizing indie hipstress brought her 'gangsta Nancy Sinatra' swagu."{{cite web|url=http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/12/lana-del-rey-performs-video-games-bowery-ballroom.html|date=December 6, 2011|title=Watch Lana Del Rey Perform 'Video Games' Live at Bowery Ballroom|last=Glazer|first=Eliot|work=New York |access-date=December 20, 2011}} Matthew Perpetua of Rolling Stone commented that, despite Del Rey being nervous and anxious while performing the song live, the singer "sang with considerable confidence, though her transitions from husky, come-hither sexuality to bratty, girlish petulance could be rather jarring."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lana-del-rey-tries-to-live-up-to-her-glamorous-image-at-nyc-show-20111206|title=Lana Del Rey Tries to Live Up to Her Glamorous Image at New York Show|date=December 6, 2011|access-date=December 20, 2011|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Perpetua|first=Matthew}} Del Rey also performed the song on an intimate show at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles.{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/lana-del-rey/60960|title=Lana Del Rey explains significance of 'Video Games' location Chateau Marmont|date=December 13, 2011|access-date=December 20, 2011|work=NME}} She performed an acoustic version of the track alongside "Video Games" at a BBC Radio 6 Music live session, which became her first radio session in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00nh9t8|title=Lana Del Rey – Live Session For Huey Morgan|access-date=January 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126144120/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00nh9t8|archive-date=January 26, 2012}} Del Rey later appeared at 2012 Radio 1's Hackney Weekend performing various tracks of Born to Die, including the song of the same name.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e9wmxj/acts/a2p38g|title=Lana Del Rey at Radio 1's Hackney Weekend 2012|date=June 24, 2012|access-date=January 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130104200959/https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e9wmxj/acts/a2p38g|archive-date=January 4, 2013}}

In February 2018, British rapper Dave covered "Born to Die" during his performance on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.{{cite news|last=Renshaw|first=David|url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/02/19/dave-lana-del-rey-born-to-die|title=Watch Dave perform his take on Lana Del Rey's "Born To Die"|date=February 19, 2018|work=The Fader|access-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509074827/https://www.thefader.com/2018/02/19/dave-lana-del-rey-born-to-die|archive-date=May 9, 2021}} An excerpt of the song was used in the promotion of New Zealand TV Drama Shortland Street for the 2014 season.{{cite web|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/shortland-street/go-behind-scenes-2014-promo-5779784|title=Go behind the scenes of the Shortland Street 2014 promo|work=TVNZ|access-date=September 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229003920/http://tvnz.co.nz/shortland-street/go-behind-scenes-2014-promo-5779784|archive-date=December 29, 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2XPRiaFqME|title=Shortland Street – 2014 Season "The End" Promo (Original)|via=YouTube|date=December 11, 2013|access-date=September 11, 2013}} The song was used in the final scene and credits of the 2014 Xavier Dolan film Mommy. The song was also used in the trailer for the 2014 film Gimme Shelter, starring Vanessa Hudgens.

{{Unreliable sources|some=n|1=section|date=February 2023}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• 7-inch vinyl[http://www.discogs.com/Lana-Del-Rey-Born-To-Die/release/3352387 Born to Die] at discogs.com

1. "Born to Die"
2. "Born to Die" (Woodkid & the Shoes remix)

• CD single[http://www.discogs.com/Lana-Del-Rey-Born-To-Die/release/3492503 Born to Die CD single] at discogs.com

1. "Born to Die" (album version) – 4:46
2. "Video Games" (Rainer Weichhold & Nick Olivetti radio edit) – 3:50

{{col-2}}

• The Remix EP[http://www.discogs.com/Lana-Del-Rey-Born-To-Die-The-Remix-EP/release/3492515 Born to Die Remixes] at discogs.com

1. "Born to Die" (album version) – 4:49
2. "Born to Die" (PDP / 13 remix) – 6:24
3. "Born to Die" (Woodkid & the Shoes remix) – 4:03
4. "Born to Die" (Parrade remix) – 5:47
5. "Born to Die" (Chad Valley remix) – 3:46
6. "Video Games" (Rainer Weichhold & Nick Olivetti clubmix) – 7:43

{{col-end}}

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Born to Die.{{Cite AV media notes|title=Born to Die|year=2012|type=booklet|publisher=Polydor Records, Interscope Records|location=London, England; Santa Monica, California}}

• Mastered at Metropolis Mastering (London, England)
• Published by EMI / Sony ATV (ASCAP)

{{Div col}}

• Lana Del Rey – vocals
• Ken Lewis – additional vocal noises
• Jeff Bhasker – guitar
• Larry Gold – string arrangements, conductor
• Steve Tirpak – string assistant
• Emile Haynie – drums, keyboards, production
• Justin Parker – vocal production
• Brent Kolatalo – additional recording
• Dan Grech-Marguerat – mixing
• Duncan Fuller – mixing assistant

{{Div col end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Born to Die"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=single|relyear=2011|region=Australia|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2023|certmonth=9}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Lana Del Rey|title=Born to Die|type=single|relyear=2011|certyear=2024|award=Diamond|access-date=February 8, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lana Del Rey|title=Born to Die|type=single|relyear=2011|region=Canada|award=Gold|digital=true|certyear=2014}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|certyear=2023|relyear=2011|artist=Lana Del Rey|title=Born To Die|award=Platinum|id=12278|type=single|access-date=March 28, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Lana Del Rey|title=Born to Die|type=single|relyear=2011|certyear=2018|award=Gold|access-date=June 8, 2018}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lana Del Rey|title=Born to Die|type=single|relyear=2011|certyear=2014|region=Italy|award=Platinum|access-date=December 27, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Lana Del Rey|title=Born To Die|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2011|certyear=2021|source=radioscope|access-date=January 15, 2025}}

{{Certification Table Entry |region=Spain|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2011|certyear=2024|artist=Lana Del Rey|title=Born to Die|accessdate=January 17, 2024}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=single|region=United Kingdom|artist=Lana Del Rey|title=Born to Die|award=Platinum|certyear=2020|relyear=2012|id=10859-3320-1|access-date=January 8, 2021}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=single|region=United States|artist=Lana Del Rey|title=Born to Die|award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2023|relyear=2011|access-date=November 28, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|noshipments=true}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Lana Del Rey songs}}

{{authority control}}

Category:2010s ballads

Category:2011 songs

Category:2012 singles

Category:Interscope Records singles

Category:Lana Del Rey songs

Category:Music videos directed by Yoann Lemoine

Category:Pop ballads

Category:Song recordings produced by Emile Haynie

Category:Songs written by Justin Parker

Category:Songs written by Lana Del Rey