Carmen
Lana Del Rey; Justin Parker Lyrics
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Lying to herself 'cause her liquor's top shelf
It's alarming honestly how charming she can be
Fooling everyone, telling how she's having fun
She says you don't want to be like me
Don't wanna see all the things I've seen
I'm dying, I'm dying
Famous, and dumb, and no age
My, I'm dying
The boys, the girls, they all like Carmen
She gives them butterflies, bats her cartoon eyes
She laughs like God, her mind's like a diamond
Buy her tonight, she's still shining
Like lightning, light, like lightning
Carmen, Carmen, staying up 'til morning
Only seventeen, but she walks the streets so mean
It's alarming truly how disarming you can be
Eating soft ice cream, Coney Island queen
She says you don't want to be like me
Looking for fun, get me high for free
I'm dying, I'm dying
She says you don't want to get this way
Street walking at night, and a star by day
It's tiring, tiring
The boys, the girls, they all like Carmen
She gives them butterflies, bats her cartoon eyes
She laughs like God, her mind's like a diamond
Buy her tonight, she's still shining
Like lightning, light, like lightning
Baby's all dressed up, with nowhere to go
That's the little story of the girl you know
Relying on the kindness of strangers
Time and cherry marks while doing party favors
Put your red dress on, put your lipstick on
Sing your song, song, now, the camera's on
And you're alive again
Mon amour, je sais que tu m'aimes aussi
The boys, the girls, they all like Carmen
She gives them butterflies, bats her cartoon eyes
She laughs like god, her mind's like a diamond
Buy her tonight, she's still shining
Like lightning, light, like lightning
Like lightning, light, like lightning
Darling, darling, doesn't have a problem
Lying to herself 'cause her liquor's top shelf
The song Carmen by Lana Del Rey is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that tells the story of a young girl named Carmen. The lyrics paint a picture of a troubled, chaotic life filled with partying and excess, and the toll it takes on Carmen. The song begins with the lines "Darling, darling, doesn't have a problem, lying to herself 'cause her liquor's top shelf," which sets the tone for the rest of the song. These lines are a clear indication of how Carmen's alcoholism is affecting her life and her perception of it.
Lana becomes the storyteller in the song, painting a vivid picture of Carmen's life for the listeners. She talks about Carmen's charm, how she is fooling everyone, telling them that she is having fun, when in reality, she is dying inside. The refrain of the song, "The boys, the girls, they all like Carmen, she gives them butterflies, bats her cartoon eyes," shows how people are attracted to her, but they do not see the pain and suffering underneath her beauty.
Towards the end of the song, she talks about how Carmen is aware that no one should want to be like her or get this way. Despite this, the people around her are still attracted to her rising to her stardom. The last line signifies that she's confident and alive again, even though it won't last long.
Line by Line Meaning
Darling, darling, doesn't have a problem
The singer of the song, Carmen, is addressed as 'darling' twice in this line. She's carefree and doesn't have troubles in her life.
Lying to herself 'cause her liquor's top shelf
Carmen lies to herself and drinks expensive liquor to feel better about herself.
It's alarming honestly how charming she can be
People are easily charmed by Carmen's charismatic personality.
Fooling everyone, telling how she's having fun
Carmen pretends to have fun, but in reality, she's struggling with her life.
She says you don't want to be like me
Carmen warns others not to follow her path in life.
Don't wanna see all the things I've seen
Carmen has experienced things that she doesn't want others to go through.
I'm dying, I'm dying
Carmen is slowly killing herself with her lifestyle.
The boys, the girls, they all like Carmen
Carmen is popular among both boys and girls, and everyone is attracted to her.
She gives them butterflies, bats her cartoon eyes
Carmen's flirtatious behavior and coquettish looks make people feel excited and nervous.
She laughs like God, her mind's like a diamond
Carmen's laughter is enchanting and her mind is sharp.
Buy her tonight, she's still shining
Carmen is meant to be bought, but she's still glowing with beauty and glamour.
Carmen, Carmen, staying up 'til morning
Carmen is a night owl and stays up until morning hours.
Only seventeen, but she walks the streets so mean
Despite her young age, Carmen walks the streets confidently and boldly.
It's alarming truly how disarming you can be
Despite being fierce and intimidating, Carmen can be disarming with her charm.
Eating soft ice cream, Coney Island queen
Carmen loves eating ice cream and is the queen of Coney Island (a famous amusement park in NYC).
Looking for fun, get me high for free
Carmen is always searching for fun, and she likes being offered free drugs and alcohol.
Street walking at night, and a star by day
Carmen walks the streets at night and is a star during the day (performing in Broadway shows, etc.).
Baby's all dressed up, with nowhere to go
Carmen gets ready and dresses up nicely but has nowhere to go.
That's the little story of the girl you know
This summarizes the life of Carmen and her story.
Relying on the kindness of strangers
Carmen depends on the kindness of strangers to survive and get what she wants.
Time and cherry marks while doing party favors
Carmen's lifestyle has left her with scars and marks on her body, owing to the use of drugs and partying.
Put your red dress on, put your lipstick on
Carmen is advised to put on her best dress and makeup to look her best.
Sing your song, song, now, the camera's on
Carmen is asked to sing her song and perform in front of the camera.
And you're alive again
Performing in front of the camera makes Carmen feel alive once more.
Mon amour, je sais que tu m'aimes aussi
This French line means 'my love, I know you love me too.'
Like lightning, light, like lightning
Repeating the phrase from earlier, Carmen's beauty and charisma are compared to lightning - captivating and striking.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ELIZABETH GRANT, JUSTIN PARKER, LANA DEL RAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind