Arcadia is the second song posted here by Lana Del Rey after the first entry Radio. It amongst other songs were recommended to me by Madeleine at Classic Film and TV Corner:
Lana is one of my favourite singers. I think she is possibly the most unique artist working at the moment. I love how she mixes modern and vintage imagery in her music videos. What a talent.
Based on what I’ve heard so far by Lana (although I’m still just scratching the surface of her extensive discography) I can understand why Madeleine expressed such high praise for her artistry. Lana’s individuality and transparency in ‘presentation’, melodic and lyrical lucidness and originality (analogous to how I would describe Argentinian artist Nathy Peluso) is seemingly re-landscaping the modern music scene as we speak. Rolling Stone UK named Lana Del Rey – The Greatest American Songwriter of the 21st Century.
As some of you will know I normally forward an extract of the lyrics of songs in my articles, but such is my intrigue and admiration for the lyrics for Arcadia I have presented all of them below. She has crafted atmospheres that feel both intimate and expansive. Lana seems to be expressing herself as if she was a by-product of her place and the inherent materialism associated with our age, but will forge to develop upon her individual talents, expression and sexuality. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she mentioned that Arcadia was conceived during a period of introspection, when she was searching for a sense of peace amidst the chaos of the world.
When Lana sings, ‘America, America‘ I stop and pause and find myself windswept in feelings associated with Musica Americana which are hard to describe. Oh and don’t mention when she sings: ‘America, I need a miracle‘ which almost turns me into a blubbering mess. Other songs by hers will be presented here showcasing what I believe is her innate ability to capture Musica Americana: Wild at Heart and Yosemite.
Arcadia was released as the second and final single from her 2021 album Blue Banisters. The song was written and produced by the singer alongside Drew Erickson. The song is named after Arcadia, California. Although it could also be reference to the idyllic vision of pastoral harmony, derived from the ancient Greek region of Arcadia.
The song received critical acclaim from critics. In an article for the Los Angeles Times, Christi Carras described the song as a “languid new ballad” and music video as “love letters to Arcadia and Los Angeles“. The music video for Arcadia was directed by Del Rey, although the singer stated on Twitter that it was “directed by nobody“.
I love how they transform the song into another beast towards the end by being a Tarantino-esque ‘rap-marriachi‘ motif. To my sensory, it is most excellent.
[Verse 1]
My body is a map of LA
I stand straight like an angel with a halo
Hangin’ out the Hilton Hotel window
Screamin’, “Hey, you, baby, let’s go”
My chest, the Sierra Madre
My hips, every high and byway
That you trace with your fingertips like a Toyota
Run your hands over me like a Land Rover
[Chorus]
In Arcadia, Arcadia
All roads that lead to you as integral to me as arteries
That pump the blood that flows straight to the heart of me
America, America
I can’t sleep at home tonight, send me a Hilton Hotel
Or a cross on the hill, I’m a lost little girl
Findin’ my way to you, Arcadia
[Verse 2]
My body is a map of LA
And my heart is like paper, I hate you
I’m not from the land of the palms, so I know I can’t stay here
I’m not native, but
My curves, San Gabriel all day
And my lips like the fire licks the bay
If you think that you know yourself, you can come over
Lay your hands on me like you’re a Land Rover
[Chorus]
[Outro]
They built me up three-hundred feet tall just to tear me down
So I’m leavin’ with nothing but laughter and this town
Arcadia
Findin’ my way to you
I’m leavin’ them as I was, five-foot-eight, Western belt
Plus the hate that they gave
By the way, thanks for that, on the way, I’ll pray for you
But you’ll need a miracle, America
References:
1. Arcadia (Lana Del Rey song) – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Beautiful ballad. I also like Lana Del Rey’s captivating vocals. An artist I’ve yet to explore.
I’m delighted to read that. Check out ‘Wild at Heart’ and ‘Yosemite’. Thanks Christian.
I’ve loved most of the songs I’ve heard by Lana Del Rey. Arcadia and Sierra Madre are two lovely cities located east of Pasadena in the northern San Gabriel Valley at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, all of which are to the east of Los Angeles.
Thanks for your vivid description of the location. Very interesting. I gather you live and/or grew up there?
I lived in L.A. during most of the 1980s, and am now about two hours to the east, near Palm Springs.
Oh nice Jeff. Cheers.