Raised in upstate New York, Del Rey moved to New York City in 2005 to pursue a music career. After numerous projects, including her self-titled debut studio album, Del Rey's breakthrough came in 2011 with the viral success of her single "Video Games"; she subsequently signed a recording contract with Polydor and Interscope. She achieved critical and commercial success with her second album, Born to Die (2012), which contained the sleeper hit "Summertime Sadness". Del Rey's third album, Ultraviolence (2014), featured greater use of guitar-driven instrumentation and debuted atop the U.S. Billboard 200. Her fourth and fifth albums, Honeymoon (2015) and Lust for Life (2017), saw a return to the stylistic traditions of her earlier releases, while her critically acclaimed sixth album, Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019), explored soft rock. Her next studio albums, Chemtrails Over the Country Club and Blue Banisters, followed in 2021. Her ninth studio album, “Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” was released on all platforms March 24th 2023. It includes singles like the title track - "Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd", "A&W", and "The Grants".
Del Rey has collaborated on soundtracks for visual media; in 2013, she wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed musical short Tropico and released "Young and Beautiful" for the romantic drama The Great Gatsby. In 2014, she recorded "Once Upon a Dream" for the dark fantasy adventure film Maleficent and the self-titled theme song for the biopic Big Eyes. Del Rey collaborated with Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus on "Don't Call Me Angel" for the action comedy Charlie's Angels (2019), which peaked at number 13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, Del Rey published the poetry and photography collection Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass (2020).
She is the recipient of various accolades, including two Brit Awards, two MTV Europe Music Awards, and a Satellite Award, in addition to nominations for Eleven Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Variety honored her at their Hitmakers Awards for being "one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 21st century".
C-Note
Lana Del Rey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a hundred
Dollar bill
Twenty of 'em wrapped up tight in silk
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill, yeah
Jimmy pulls up in his blue Chevy Nova
I have been dyin' for him to come over
I'm in my party dress
He say "You such a mess"
I am the New Jersey dance queen
He is the gangster action king
He knows that I be selling the body
My man the best 'cause he knows what’s up
He knows it's a big bad world
Knows that I'm a good girl
He understands the sale of self
'Cause cash comes quick when looks can kill
And there's nothin' more gorgeous than
A hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Twenty of 'em wrapped up tight in silk
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill, yeah
J is a romantic roller coaster
He don't do anything he's supposed to
I like 'em tough and mean
Jim is the worst that I've ever seen
I am the trailer park darling
He is the one-time comeback king
He knows that I be looking to die
He said "Baby, pay respect to the high"
I'm not invincible
But cash come quick when looks can kill
And there's nothin' more gorgeous than
A hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Twenty of 'em wrapped up tight in silk
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
I like your ultraviolent swing
I like it when you treat me mean
You turn my mood from black to blue
Ruby Tuesdays at Citgo
I loved you then, you'll always know
I loved you then, you'll always know
But there's nothin' more gorgeous than
A hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Hundred dollar bill
Lana Del Rey's song "C-Note" grapples with themes of desire, materialism, romance, and the gritty realities of life in a hyper-real, glamorous but troubled world. The repeated line, "Nothin' more gorgeous than a hundred dollar bill," serves as a refrain that anchors the song, suggesting that money holds a seductive allure for the singer. The repetition of this line emphasizes a sense of obsession and obsession with wealth, highlighting an intrinsic connection between beauty and currency in the singer’s perception. This notion of a hundred-dollar bill being “gorgeous” is a stark commentary on how society often elevates material wealth above all else, framing money as a representation of power, status, and desirability, possibly overshadowing more profound emotional connections.
In the narrative, we meet a character who is deeply entangled in a chaotic romance with a character named Jimmy, described with a contrast of innocence and experience. The mention of "dying for him to come over" coupled with her party dress paints a picture of yearning and anticipation, laying a foundation of romantic desire laced with a hint of desperation. The dynamic between the singer as the "New Jersey dance queen" and Jimmy as the "gangster action king" suggests not just a relationship defined by attraction but also by a shared understanding of their respective worlds — she’s a figure of vibrancy and performance, while he represents a rougher edge of society. There’s also an acknowledgment of her role in the world of exploitation, highlighted by the line "He knows that I be selling the body," indicating a transactional nature to some of her interactions, revealing underlying themes of agency and survival in the context of financial desperation.
As the lyrics unravel, we see a deeper commentary on self-awareness and resignation to the world she inhabits. The repetition of "cash comes quick when looks can kill" reflects both a sense of empowerment and a grim acceptance of her reality. The singer understands her worth in a transactional relationship because society often judges women based on their appearance, demonstrating an acute awareness of how looks can be commodified. The line "He knows it's a big bad world" suggests a complicity and mutual recognition of the dangers associated with their lifestyle, hinting at a shared understanding between the two characters. This acknowledgment of their environment hints at a bittersweet acceptance of their choices and the vulnerabilities in their lives, where survival is intertwined with the glamour and danger of their reality.
The latter part of the song delves into a complex relationship dynamic, symbolizing the push-and-pull of love that borders on destructive. The reference to an "ultraviolent swing" and enjoying when Jimmy treats her mean indicates a fascination with a love fraught with intensity and chaos. The singer admits to transforming her mood from "black to blue," implying the multifaceted emotions tied to their turbulent connection. Mentioning "Ruby Tuesdays at Citgo" offers a nostalgic glimpse into their history, grounding their passionate love story in specific, relatable moments, while simultaneously underlining the transient nature of their experiences. Ultimately, the haunting refrain returns, reminding listeners that despite the emotional tumult, the allure of money remains ever-present, underscoring the theme that in a world defined by survival, financial security — symbolized by that stunning hundred-dollar bill — reigns supreme over all.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
There is nothing more beautiful or desirable than a
Hundred dollar bill
One hundred dollar bill, symbolizing wealth and power.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
There is nothing more beautiful or desirable than a
Hundred dollar bill
One hundred dollar bill, representing financial allure.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
There is nothing more stunning or captivating than a
hundred
One hundred, signifying abundance.
Dollar bill
A bill of currency; in this context, a powerful symbol of desired riches.
Twenty of 'em wrapped up tight in silk
Twenty of these hundred dollar bills neatly bundled together, indicating wealth treated with luxury.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
There exists nothing more striking or appealing than a
Hundred dollar bill
The allure of a one hundred dollar bill persists.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
There is absolutely nothing as stunning as a
Hundred dollar bill, yeah
The song emphasizes the unrivaled charm of a one hundred dollar bill.
Jimmy pulls up in his blue Chevy Nova
Jimmy arrives in his modest but classic blue Chevy Nova.
I have been dyin' for him to come over
I have been eagerly waiting for his arrival.
I'm in my party dress
I am dressed up for a celebration, showcasing my desire for fun.
He say "You such a mess"
He remarks that I may appear disheveled or chaotic in my current state.
I am the New Jersey dance queen
I see myself as vibrant and joyful, possibly referencing a lively persona.
He is the gangster action king
He embodies a tough, rebellious character often associated with glamorized risks.
He knows that I be selling the body
He realizes that I engage in transactional relationships, possibly hinting at a darker side.
My man the best 'cause he knows what’s up
My partner is exceptional because he is aware of our realities and dynamics.
He knows it's a big bad world
He understands the harshness and challenges of life.
Knows that I'm a good girl
He perceives me as inherently good despite my circumstances.
He understands the sale of self
He comprehends the complexities of choosing to commodify one's body.
'Cause cash comes quick when looks can kill
In a world driven by appearance, monetary rewards can come swiftly for those who are attractive.
And there's nothin' more gorgeous than
And nothing can rival the beauty of
A hundred dollar bill
The physical representation of wealth and desirability.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
There is nothing that's as beautiful as a
Hundred dollar bill
The one hundred dollar bill remains an alluring symbol of wealth.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Nothing surpasses the appeal of a
Hundred dollar bill
Emphasizing again the beauty of financial power.
J is a romantic roller coaster
J's presence is unpredictable and filled with emotional ups and downs.
He don't do anything he's supposed to
He doesn't adhere to societal norms or expectations.
I like 'em tough and mean
I am attracted to those with a rough exterior.
Jim is the worst that I've ever seen
He is the most difficult or challenging person I've encountered.
I am the trailer park darling
I see myself as a beloved figure from a humble background.
He is the one-time comeback king
He is someone who experiences sudden rises and falls in life.
He knows that I be looking to die
He is aware that I harbor dark feelings or a self-destructive trait.
He said "Baby, pay respect to the high"
He advises me to acknowledge and appreciate the elevated moments in life.
I'm not invincible
I am aware of my vulnerabilities and limitations.
But cash come quick when looks can kill
In a harsh world, beauty can lead to fast gains financially.
And there's nothin' more gorgeous than
Once again, nothing compares to the allure of
A hundred dollar bill
The power and beauty represented by currency.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
There is nothing that is as breathtaking as a
Hundred dollar bill
Reiterating the cultural and personal significance of dollars.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Nothing surpasses the beauty found in a
Hundred dollar bill
Continuing to emphasize the luxurious appeal of wealth.
I like your ultraviolent swing
I am captivated by your intense and fierce demeanor.
I like it when you treat me mean
I am drawn to the tension that comes from harsh treatment.
You turn my mood from black to blue
Your influence can change my sadness into a deep emotional experience.
Ruby Tuesdays at Citgo
Referencing specific, perhaps nostalgic moments shared together.
I loved you then, you'll always know
My past affection for you is undeniable and lasting.
I loved you then, you'll always know
Reiterating the significance of my feelings, suggesting they are timeless.
But there's nothin' more gorgeous than
Despite everything, nothing outweighs the stunning nature of a
A hundred dollar bill
The ultimate representation of aesthetic and financial value.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
There exists nothing more enthralling than a
Hundred dollar bill
Yet again portraying the magnetic allure of currency.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
There is absolutely nothing that rivals the beauty of a
Hundred dollar bill
Asserting the seductive power of wealth.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
Reinforcing that nothing else can compare to the elegance of a
Hundred dollar bill
Final emphasis on the esteem held for monetary value.
Nothin' more gorgeous than a
There is nothing more impressive than a
Hundred dollar bill
The one hundred dollar bill remains the pinnacle of desirability.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@monstermarkcornish
she looked so relieved after she hit that note hahaha
@neonguts5324
she must have felt nervous bc what if it failed it would be embarressing
@streamlanadelreynowordie4008
I love how she sounds... sounds like a scream and a peaceful whistle at the same time
@gamer1X12
I know right? There's a slight raspy-ness in the back of the note, making it sound halfway between rock scream and pure whistle. Dont know if its intentional or not but I love it either way.
@SaShenquA
It’s how I imagine sirens sounding
@charitygrace3441
She made it look so easy
@iamhuydamn
her falsetto is just heaven😭😭❤️❤️❤️
@FreeSpinel
I don't think that's a falsetto
@iamhuydamn
@@FreeSpinel its obvi a falsetto honey
@davxrz_.
@@iamhuydamn it’s not a falsetto is a whistle tone is a c#6 is obvi a whistle honey