The song opens with a reference to traditional feminine accessories such as pearls, horses, curls, and corsets, suggesting a nod to the past. The lyrics also reference being in foreign lands, cautioning men to not be too loud or funny, suggesting a warning against cultural insensitivity. This could signify a desire to return to a simpler time when things were not as chaotic.
The chorus poses the question of whether this is the end of an era or the end of America. The repetition of this questioning draws attention to the uncertainty of the future and the fear that surrounds it. However, the lyrics reassure listeners that this is not the end and there is hope for a happy ending if one holds onto it.
The bridge and outro repeat the message of finding love despite difficult circumstances. The dizzying effect of love is both a distraction from the troubles of the world and a source of comfort.
Overall, "When the World Was at War We Kept Dancing" is a beautiful and positive reminder to keep dancing, even when the world is falling apart. It encourages listeners to find joy and love despite the chaos and uncertainty of the times.
When the World Was at War We Kept Dancing
Lana Del Rey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And all of your horses
As you make your way across the pond
Girls, don't forget your curls
And all of your corsets
Memorize them in a little song
Shake it up, throw your hands up and get looseCut a rug, lean into the fucking youth
Choreo, we just want the fucking truth
(Told by the frightened)
Is it the end of an era?
Is it the end of America?
Is it the end of an era?
Is it the end of America?
No, oh
It's only the beginning
If we hold on to hope
We'll have a happy ending
When the world was at war before
We just kept dancing
When the world was at war before
We just kept dancing
Boys, don't forget your toys
And take all of your money
If you find you're in a foreign land
Boys, don't make too much noise
And don't try to be funny
Other people may not understand
Shake it up, throw your hands up and get looseCut a rug, lean into the fucking youth
Choreo, we just want the fucking truth
(Told by the frightened)
Is it the end of an era?
Is it the end of America?
Is it the end of an era?
Is it the end of America?
No, oh
It's only the beginning
If we hold on to hope
We'll have a happy ending
When the world was at war before
We just kept dancing
When the world was at war before
We just kept dancing
And we'll do it again
Oh my god, dizzy from loving you (we'll do it again)
Oh my god, dizzy from loving you (we'll do it again)
Dizzy from, dizzy from loving you, when the world was at war (we'll do it again)
Is it the end of an era?
Is it the end of America?
Is it the end of an era?
Is it the end of America?
When the world was at war before
We just kept dancing
When the world was at war before
We just kept dancing
And we'll do it again
And we'll do it again
Lana Del Rey's song "When the World Was at War We Kept Dancing" appears to be a melancholic reflection on the current state of the world. The lyrics seem to reflect the unease and uncertainty that many people feel in the present day. The song is an invitation to "shake it up, throw your hands up and get loose," to continue living life and enjoying it with a certain abandon, even in the face of war and destruction. The repeated line, "When the world was at war before, we just kept dancing," is a reminder of the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.
The first verse calls upon girls not to lose sight of their femininity, to carry on wearing their pearls and their corsets even as they make their way across the pond. The second verse is directed at boys, urging them to be careful and respectful when travelling in foreign lands. The chorus repeats the same questions, "Is it the end of an era? Is it the end of America?" before offering the reassurance that it is only the beginning, and that a "happy ending" can still be found.
The song is less a call-to-arms than a call-to-life, an affirmation of the beauty and vitality of existence, even in difficult times. Despite its somber tone, "When the World Was at War We Kept Dancing" is a hopeful and ultimately uplifting song.
Line by Line Meaning
Girls, don't forget your pearls
And all of your horses
As you make your way across the pond
Girls, don't forget your curls
And all of your corsets
Memorize them in a little song
Don't forget to bring your valuable items and your assets as you travel. Girls, remember your femininity and your style, but also remember to keep a low profile and not attract attention.
Boys, don't forget your toys
And take all of your money
If you find you're in a foreign land
Boys, don't make too much noise
And don't try to be funny
Other people may not understand
When going to a foreign land, be prepared and bring your personal items and money. Boys, don't be disruptive and behave appropriately. Respect and accept other cultures, and don't try to be funny or you might offend others.
Shake it up, throw your hands up and get loose
Cut a rug, lean into the fucking youth
Choreo, we just want the fucking truth
(Told by the frightened)
Let loose and have fun, dance and enjoy life. We want the truth, but it's often difficult to find it due to fear or uncertainty.
Is it the end of an era?
Is it the end of America?
Is it the end of an era?
Is it the end of America?
Are we seeing the end of an era or the end of America as we know it?
No, oh
It's only the beginning
If we hold on to hope
We'll have a happy ending
When the world was at war before
We just kept dancing
When the world was at war before
We just kept dancing
No, it's not the end, it's only the beginning. If we remain hopeful, we can overcome the challenges and achieve a happy ending. This has been done before during times of war, where people danced and celebrated life despite the challenges.
And we'll do it again
Oh my god, did it from loving you (we'll do it again)
Oh my god, did it from loving you (we'll do it again)
Did it from, did it from loving you, when the world was at war (we'll do it again)
We will dance and celebrate life again. We did it before, and we can do it again. We did it because of our love for life and each other, even during times of war and hardship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dean Reid, Elizabeth Grant, Rick Nowels
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Cochran
on West Coast
Amazing how the film maker lifted the filming of this video directly from the Chet Baker documentary Let's Get Lost - black & white hanging at the beach and cruising in the backs of convertables
ciggywater
on National Anthem
such a goddess
Abygail Fernandez Smith
on West Coast
ganda
Inside Bilderberg
on Cruel World
Love this song.
Romatizzalid Bozin Veda Loca
on West Coast
barcelona akhawa
Dawit Dawit
on Ultraviolence
nice
Dawit Dawit
on West Coast
best