The Lana Del Rey song that references a Bob Dylan standard
While many modern artists clamour to be ahead of their time, Lana Del Rey has taken refuge in an era long before her own. Infusing her music with the influence of the 1950s and beyond, her sound borrows far more from her predecessors than her peers. From Lou Reed to Bruce Springsteen, her discography is littered with references to American musical icons from the past, and Bob Dylan is no exception.
The alt-pop singer has previously paid homage to Dylan on stage, covering the folk legend’s iconic hit ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’, but his influence has also made its way into her own catalogue. On her fourth studio record, Honeymoon, she makes a direct reference to a beloved Bob Dylan standard with the song ‘Religion’.
Over characteristic baroque pop instrumentation, Del Rey delivers some of her most idealistic musings on love. “It never was about the money or the drugs, for you there’s only love,” she declares in the chorus. Amidst her romantic optimism, her verses are dominated by a calm resignation. She implores us to let sleeping dogs lay and reassures us that chips fall where they may.
Her musings set the lyrics up perfectly for a Dylan reference, as she sings, “All we do is play, all I hear is music like ‘Lay Lady Lay’.” The line references Dylan’s carefree, soft love song ‘Lay Lady Lay’ from 1969. Covered by the likes of the Byrds, Duran Duran, and The Flaming Lips, the track has been widely referenced throughout culture.
“Why wait any longer for the world to begin? You can have your cake and eat it too/ Why wait any longer for the one you love? When he’s standing in front of you,” Dylan sings in the song. He’s accompanied by country instrumentals just as comforting and romanticised as his words.
It’s a fitting reference for the thematic focus of Del Rey’s ‘Religion’, sonically and lyrically matching her own approach to love. The line only emphasises the serenity she feels with her new romance, so much so that, when she’s with them, she can almost hear the soft sounds of Dylan’s music.
‘Religion’ isn’t the only song that makes reference to the Dylan standard – she also makes use of the titular phrase in ‘Tomorrow Never Came’ from her 2017 record, Lust For Life. “Lay, lady, lay, on that side of a paradise,” she sings, “cause if I had my way, you would always stay and I’d be your tiny dancer, honey.”
Though the track takes a slightly more pessimistic look at love, in true Lana style, the phrase still holds up in its beauty and tranquillity, paired with an Elton John reference for good measure.
Listen to ‘Religion’ below.
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