Violets for Roses
Lana Del Rey Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

There's something in the air
The girls are running 'round in summer dresses
With their masks off
And it makes me so happy
Larchmont village smells like lilies of the valley
And the bookstore doors are opening
And it's finally happening
Ever since I fell out of love with you
I fell back in love with me
And boy, does it feel sweet
Like a summer breeze
Ever since I fell out of love with you
I fell back in love with the city
Like the Paramount sign's sparkling
Sparkling just for me

You made me trade my violets for roses
You tried to trade in my new truck for horses
Don't forget all of these things that you love
Are the same things I hate
A simple life, I chose this
You made me trade my violets for roses
You tried to take all the pink off my toes and
God knows the only mistake that a man can make
Is trying to make a woman change
And trade her violets for roses

Ah-laa-ha, ah-ha
Trade her violets for roses
Ah-laa-ha, ah-ha

There's something in the air
I hope it doesn't change, that it's for real
The beginning of something big happening
And by the madder alleys
And the streets have ceased
And still the shadows haunt the avenue
The silence is deafening

Ever since I fell out of love with you
I fell back in love with the streets
And God, does it feel sweet
Like a summer breeze
Ever since I fell out of love with you
I break-dance to the backbeat
And God, does it sound sweet
Like it's playing just for me

You made me trade my violets for roses
You tried to trade in my new truck for horses
Don't forget all of these things that you love
Are the same things I hate
The simple life, I chose this
You made me trade my violets for roses
You tried to take all the pink off my toes and
God knows the only mistake that a man can make
Is trying to make a woman change
And trade her violets for roses

Ah-laa-ha, ah-ha
Trade her violets for roses
Ah-laa-ha, ah-ha
Trade her violets for roses
(Ah-laa-ha, ah-ha)

There's something in the air
The girls are running 'round in summer dresses




With their masks off
And it makes me so happy

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Violets for Roses" by Lana Del Rey speak of rebirth and rediscovery. The beginning of the song sets the scene for a summer day in Larchmont Village, where everything seems to be coming alive. The singer is overwhelmed with happiness by the sights and smells of the world around them, including the scent of lilies of the valley. This newfound joy is attributed to falling out of love with someone and back in love with themselves, the city, and life.


The second verse of the song speaks to the loss and transformation the singer went through while in that relationship. The line, "Don't forget all of these things that you love/ Are the same things I hate," indicates that the two were not compatible and that the singer was made to feel like they had to change who they were. The chorus, "You made me trade my violets for roses/ You tried to take all the pink off my toes," serves as a metaphor for a partner trying to change fundamental aspects of the singer's identity to fit their own desires. The ending of the song circles back to the beginning, with the singer finding joy in the world around them and in being authentically themselves.


The song has a powerful message about the importance of staying true to oneself and the consequences of trying to change someone else. It highlights the pain of losing oneself in a relationship and the beauty of rediscovery and growth.


Line by Line Meaning

There's something in the air
The air is thick with anticipation and excitement.


The girls are running 'round in summer dresses
The girls are embracing the carefree nature of summer.


With their masks off
They are not hiding behind any facade or performing for anyone.


And it makes me so happy
This youthful and unencumbered energy is infectious and brings the artist joy.


Larchmont village smells like lilies of the valley
The artist is immersed in the pleasant and fragrant ambiance of Larchmont village.


And the bookstore doors are opening
The singer is excited for the opportunities and adventures that lay ahead.


And it's finally happening
The singer is eagerly anticipating the unfolding of an event or moment.


Ever since I fell out of love with you
The artist is no longer in love with someone who tried to change them.


I fell back in love with me
The artist has regained a sense of self-love and appreciation.


And boy, does it feel sweet
This rediscovered love for oneself is deeply satisfying and fulfilling.


Like a summer breeze
This self-love is light and carefree, just like a summer breeze.


I fell back in love with the city
The artist has rekindled a love for the city they live in.


Like the Paramount sign's sparkling
This renewed love for the city is as dazzling and striking as the sparkling of the Paramount sign.


Sparkling just for me
The singer feels as though the city is welcoming them back with open arms.


You made me trade my violets for roses
The singer's former lover tried to change and mold them into something they were not.


You tried to trade in my new truck for horses
The artist's former lover tried to force them into living a more simple and traditional lifestyle.


Don't forget all of these things that you love
The things that the artist's former lover tried to change are the very things that make the artist who they are and that they hold dear.


Are the same things I hate
The singer despises any attempt to alter or control their individuality.


A simple life, I chose this
The singer actively chose to live a simpler and more authentic life.


You tried to take all the pink off my toes and
The artist's former lover tried to erase the small details and quirks that make the artist unique.


God knows the only mistake that a man can make
The artist acknowledges that it is unwise for anyone to try and change someone else.


Is trying to make a woman change
This is especially true for men who try to mold and shape women into their ideal vision.


And trade her violets for roses
This line serves as a metaphor for trying to alter someone's true self into something more conventional and standard.


Trade her violets for roses
This phrase is repeated as a refrain to emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself and not conforming to societal norms or pressures.


There's something in the air
The air is still thick with anticipation and excitement.


I hope it doesn't change, that it's for real
The singer hopes that this feeling of freedom and authenticity is genuine and lasting.


The beginning of something big happening
The singer senses that this moment of liberation and self-discovery is the start of something significant.


And by the madder alleys
The artist is wandering through the streets and alleyways.


And the streets have ceased
The artist notices that the bustling city streets have quieted down.


And still the shadows haunt the avenue
Despite the quieter atmosphere, there is still a sense of mystery and intrigue lingering around.


The silence is deafening
The stillness and absence of sound is overwhelming and profound.


Ever since I fell out of love with you
The artist repeats this refrain to emphasize how falling out of love with their former partner has had a profound impact on their life and sense of self.


I fell back in love with the streets
The artist has truly found a love and appreciation for the cityscape that surrounds them.


And God, does it feel sweet
This love for the city is just as blissful and satisfying as the artist's newfound sense of self-love.


Like a summer breeze
This love for the city is light and refreshing, much like a summer breeze.


I break-dance to the backbeat
The artist is fully embracing their newfound love for the streets and all the culture that comes with it.


And God, does that sound sweet
This love for the city is music to the singer's ears.


Like it's playing just for me
The city and all its sounds and rhythms feel tailored to the singer's experience.


You made me trade my violets for roses
The refrain repeats to remind the listener of the importance of staying true to oneself and not compromising who you are for anyone else.


You tried to take all the pink off my toes and
This line emphasizes the smaller, unique details that make a person who they are and should be celebrated.


God knows the only mistake that a man can make
Once again, the artist acknowledges the folly in trying to change someone else to fit their ideal.


Is trying to make a woman change
This is especially true of men who attempt to change and mold women into a more conventional and uniform mold.


And trade her violets for roses
The repeated refrain serves as a powerful reminder that staying true to oneself is the key to living a fulfilling and happy life.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Drew Erickson, Elizabeth Woolridge Grant

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Nicholas-kt4ul

"Violet for Roses"
Lana Del Rey (From 'Blue Banisters')

[Verse 1]
There's something in the air
The girls are runnin' 'round in summer dresses
With their masks off and it makes me so happy
Larchmont Village smells like lilies of the valley
And the bookstore doors are opening
And it's finally happening

[Pre-Chorus]
Ever since I fell out of love with you, I fell back in love with me
And, boy, does it feel sweet
Like a summer breeze
Ever since I fell out of love with you, I fell back in love with the city
Like the Paramount sign sparkling
Sparkling just for me

[Chorus]
You made me trade my violets for roses
You tried to trade in my new truck for Rollses
Don't forget all of these things that you love are the same things I hate
A simple life, I chose this
You made me trade my violets for roses
You tried to take all the pink off my toes, and
God knows the only mistake that a man can make
Is tryna make a woman change and trade her violets for roses

[Post-Chorus]
Ah-la-ha, ah-ha
Trade her violets for roses
Ah-la-ha, ah-ha

[Verse 2]
There's something in the air
I hope it doesn't change, that it's for real
The beginning of something big happening
And by the mayor, the rallies
In the streets have ceased
And still, the shadows haunt the avenue
The silence is deafening

[Pre-Chorus]
Ever since I fell out of love with you, I fell back in love with the streets
And, God, does it feel sweet
Like a summer breeze
Ever since I fell out of love with you, I breakdance to the backbeat
And, God, does it sound sweet
Like it's playing just for me

[Chorus]
You made me trade my violets for roses
You tried to trade in my new truck for Rollses
Don't forget all of these things that you love are the same things I hate
A simple life, I chose this
You made me trade my violets for roses
You tried to take all the pink off my toes, and
God knows the only mistake that a man can make
Is tryin' to make a woman change and trade her violets for roses

[Post-Chorus]
Ah-la-ha, ah-ha
Trade her violets for roses
Ah-la-ha, ah-ha
Trade her violets for roses
(Ah-la-ha, ah-ha)

[Outro]
There's something in the air
The girls are runnin' 'round in summer dresses
With their masks off and it makes me so happy



@levbadal

❗Lyrics❗

[Verse 1]
There's something in the air
The girls are runnin' 'round in summer dresses
With their masks off and it makes me so happy
Larchmont Village smells like lilies of the valley
And the bookstore doors are opening
And it's finally happening

[Pre-Chorus 1]
Ever since I fell out of love with you I fell back in love with me
And, boy, does it feel sweet
Like a summer breeze
Ever since I fell out of love with you I fell back in love with the city
Like thе Paramount sign sparkling
Sparkling just for me

[Chorus]
You made me tradе my violets for roses
You tried to trade in my new truck for Rollses
Don't forget all of these things that you love are the same things I hate
A simple life, I chose this
You made me trade my violets for roses
You tried to take all the pink off my toes, and
God knows the only mistake that a man can make
Is tryna make a woman change and trade her violets for roses

[Post-Chorus 1]
Ah-la-ha, ah-ha
Trade her violets for roses
Ah-la-ha, ah-ha

[Verse 2]
There's something in the air
I hope it doesn't change, that it's for real
The beginning of something big happening
And by the murder alleys
In the streets have ceased
And still the shadows haunt the avenue
The silence is deafening

[Pre-Chorus 2]
Ever since I fell out of love with you I fell back in love with the streets
And, God, does it feel sweet
Like a summer breeze
Ever since I fell out of love with you I breakdance to the backbeat
And, God, does it sound sweet
Like it's playing just for me

[Chorus]
You made me trade my violets for roses
You tried to trade in my new truck for Rollses
Don't forget all of these things that you love are the same things I hate
A simple life, I chose this
You made me trade my violets for roses
You tried to take all the pink off my toes, and
God knows the only mistake that a man can make
Is tryin' to make a woman change and trade her violets for roses

[Post-Chorus 2]
Ah-la-ha, ah-ha
Trade her violets for roses
Ah-la-ha, ah-ha
Trade her violets for roses
(Ah-la-ha, ah-ha)

[Outro]
There's something in the air
The girls are runnin' 'round in summer dresses
With their masks off and it makes me so happy



All comments from YouTube:

@pxpatyas2938

violets are blue (her favorite color) and roses are the symbol of love. so “you made me trade my violets for roses” means “you made me trade myself/my happiness for your love” she’s such a genius writer.

@vanessa_yang

Thanks for this, I was wondering what symbolism that lyric held

@1234willali

Violet isn’t it title of her poem ?

@conannass1148

Thanks for this perspective! I love it.

@CS-km5ob

I ADORE HERRR

@gregsmith9932

When taken in context with the next line, "You tried to trade in my new truck for Rollses", I think he wanted her to be more glitzy, roses are more glitzy than violets.

60 More Replies...

@kirstymarshall623

“Ever since I fell out of love with you, I fell back in love with me” STOP😭😭😭😭😭😭

@leticiacappozzi5124

YES I just screamed when I listened to this

@valeriedeleon3711

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

@shakibkhan-fe6ho

I never left honey

More Comments

More Versions