In March 2023, Lana Del Rey released her 9th studio album, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” after a long-anticipated wait from her last album, “Blue Banisters.” Within the first week of release, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” dove straight into No. 3 on the Billboard 200, selling a great number of both digital and physical copies within the first week, proving very successful. Known for her intricate storytelling and exceptional lyricism, her albums hold the utmost complex meanings. From her unique concept to multifaceted track titles, Lana Del Rey is full of authenticity, and you can never get tired of trying to uncover their meanings.
Throughout the album, Del Rey takes her album title and makes numerous allusions to a tunnel. The album kicks off with “The Grants,” an incredible emotional tribute to her family that sets the tone. In the title track, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard,” Del Rey symbolically portrays herself as the infamous Jergins tunnel under Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, California, captivating listeners and inviting them on her journey. The tunnel has been closed since 1967, but while it was still open to the public, it was a pathway that connected to the beach, a place that holds immense sentimental value to Del Rey. She makes a symbolic reference to entering this tunnel in the title track and exiting in the track “Paris, Texas.” Then we see more buoyant songs such as “Let the Light In,” featuring Father John Misty. Flawlessly balancing Del Rey’s airy, light voice with Father John Misty’s rich tone, the track portrays a relationship filled with intensity, affection, and conflict where both individuals appear to find a harmonious balance between their hopes for enjoyment and emotional requirements. The closing track, “Taco Truck x VB,” foreshadows where she is headed in the future with the mention of Venice Beach, leaving the listeners with a slightly ambiguous ending.
Lana Del Rey’s music has a distinct appeal that comes from her fascination with intimate experiences; a theme that shines through in her album. By showcasing her personal connection to a tunnel in her music, she invites the listeners to delve into her world and share her experiences. Del Rey’s emphasis on individuality creates a feeling of familiarity that allows listeners to relate to her music on a personal level. To add on, Del Rey’s ability to bring attention to everyday, mundane things such as highways and beaches is nothing short of magnificent. Her music serves as a testament to the beauty in simplicity and reminds us to appreciate the small things in life that often go overlooked.
A simple tunnel under Ocean Boulevard may not come off as something important for many. But to Del Rey, it is a poignant scene etched with meaning. As she proceeds to move forward with her career and life, memories of the Jergin tunnel will be stored safely in her heart and serve as a manner of closure. Through her music, she is able to capture the essence of what it means to be alive. Her success is a testament to the power of music to connect people across different backgrounds. Lana Del Rey has and will continue to leave her mark on history, and her legacy is destined to endure and be remembered throughout humanity for eternity.
