Cult Leader
Lana Del Rey Lyrics


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Jim takes me down, he's a fire eater
Before the dawn or the valley shines
Jim takes me down to the river
All the way, past the mines
Girls in nightgowns hold their hands forever
Girls with pink lips cultivate the sound
They watch, we kiss on a bed of roses
As he lays me down

He's a fire eater he's a cult leader
He's a big believer in anything from the 70's
Said that LSD could be good for me
Lay down, lay down

Jim takes me down to the village diner
Makes them believe that there's nothing wrong
Parades me 'round like his fucking daughter
All the way, bow down

He's a fire eater he's a cult leader
He's a big believer in anything from the 70's
Said that LSD could be good for me
Lay down, lay down

Oh, all the ways that your
Story was a let down oh oh oh
All the ways that your glory was a let down

He's a fire eater he's a cult leader
He's a big believer in anything from the 70's




Said that LSD could be good for me
Lay down, lay down lay down, lay down

Overall Meaning

In Lana Del Rey's song "Cult Leader," the lyrics depict a toxic and manipulative relationship with a man named Jim, who is characterized as a fire eater and a cult leader. The song begins with Jim taking the singer down to the river before dawn, emphasizing a sense of secrecy and hidden desires. The mention of past mines could symbolize the dangers or traumas that lie beneath the surface. Additionally, the imagery of girls in nightgowns holding hands forever and girls with pink lips cultivating the sound suggests a feminine unity and vulnerability in the face of Jim's control.


The chorus reveals Jim's fascination with the 70's and his belief in the positive effects of LSD. This references a time of cultural revolution and experimentation, highlighting his desire to manipulate and influence others through mind-altering substances. The repeated line "Lay down, lay down" could represent the singer's submission to Jim's power or his demand for loyalty and obedience.


The second verse portrays Jim parading the singer around like a possessive father figure, suggesting a possessive and controlling dynamic in their relationship. The repetition of "bow down" reinforces the idea of submission and subjugation. The lyrics convey a sense of disillusionment and disappointment, with the singer recognizing the letdown of Jim's story and glory.


Line by Line Meaning

Jim takes me down, he's a fire eater
Jim leads me into dangerous situations, and he has a captivating and charismatic personality.


Before the dawn or the valley shines
Before the start of a new day or a period of success, Jim takes me down another path.


Jim takes me down to the river
Jim brings me to places of reflection and contemplation.


All the way, past the mines
We go deep into dangerous territory, surpassing the potential hazards.


Girls in nightgowns hold their hands forever
Innocent girls seek comfort and stability in their relationships, clinging onto them indefinitely.


Girls with pink lips cultivate the sound
Sensual and attractive girls pursue a specific vibe or atmosphere.


They watch, we kiss on a bed of roses
Others observe as we engage in romantic activities, creating an illusion of love.


As he lays me down
As we engage in intimate acts, he positions me to his liking.


Jim takes me down to the village diner
Jim brings me to a mundane and ordinary place, masking any underlying issues.


Makes them believe that there's nothing wrong
He deceives others into thinking that everything is perfect and nothing is amiss.


Parades me 'round like his fucking daughter
He proudly displays me to others, treating me as his possession or object of pride.


All the way, bow down
He expects complete submission and obedience from me.


Oh, all the ways that your story was a let down oh oh oh
Oh, the numerous disappointments and unfulfilled promises in your narrative.


All the ways that your glory was a let down
The various ways in which your supposed achievements or successes turned out to be underwhelming.


He's a fire eater he's a cult leader
He intentionally consumes dangerous or controversial things, and he possesses a charismatic influence over others.


He's a big believer in anything from the 70's
He strongly believes in the ideas, culture, and ideals of the 1970s.


Said that LSD could be good for me
He suggests that using LSD, a hallucinogenic drug, might have positive effects on me.


Lay down, lay down
He commands me to submit and yield to his authority and desires.


Lay down, lay down lay down, lay down
Repeatedly, he insists that I surrender and comply with his wishes.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@randomgirl2784

0:00 - Ave Maria
4:26 - Fine China
9:47 - Say Yes To Heaven
13:24 - Cult Leader
17:52 - Dragonslayer
21:52 - Madly
26:40 - Your Girl
31:02 - Lake Placid
35:10 - Wild One
39:15 - Driving In Cars With Boys
43:22 - ???
49:31 - Pink Champagne
56:45 - Say Yes To Heaven
1:00:12 - Your Girl

.. you're welcome



@romancelenoc2242

Cult leader lyrics
Jim takes me down, he's a fire eater
Before the dawn or the valley shines
Jim takes me down to the river
All the way, past the mines
Girls in nightgowns hold their hands forever
Girls with pink lips cultivate the sound
They watch, we kiss on a bed of roses
As he lays me down

He's a fire eater
He's a cult leader
He's a big believer in anything from the 70's
Said that LSD could be good for me
Lay down, lay down

Jim takes me down to the village diner
Makes them believe that there's nothing wrong
Parades me 'round like his fucking daughter
All the way, bow down

He's a fire eater
He's a cult leader
He's a big believer in anything from the 70's
Said that LSD could be good for me
Lay down, lay down

Oh, all the ways that your story was a let down
Oh-oh-oh, all the ways that your glory was a let down

He's a fire eater
He's a cult leader
He's a big believer in anything from the 70's
Said that LSD could be good for me
Lay down, lay down
Lay down, lay down



All comments from YouTube:

@alol7116

She could release a version in celebration of 10 years of UV with these songs she recorded for the album and not officially released 😢

@juno892

There’s so much she could do with her unreleased music but she hates being in her bag ig

@turner_classic

She truly does not care. She just moves on.

@Freyaaamira

@@turner_classicshe only cared for say yes to heaven cause it was playing everywhere unreleased, I wish some of these could trend so her team can realise.

@PARKERR19

@@Freyaaamiraur acting like say yes to heaven is the only unreleased song she’s released when it’s not

@Freyaaamira

@@PARKERR19 I’m talking about now

1 More Replies...

@bubellemo

Madly is my favorite Lana song ever, ever ever. For me it's the best at least. I think Lana will release it officially one day.

@MadHarls

fr!!

@randomgirl2784

It's really good.

@paduanicoc.7019

literally every song on are so goOod

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