The meaning of High By The Beach by Lana Del Rey

High by the Beach is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2015 as part of her third studio album Honeymoon. The song's lyrics are often interpreted as a reflection on the media scrutiny and public fascination with Del Rey's personal life.

The song's title, "High by the Beach," could be seen as a metaphor for feeling disconnected from reality, possibly due to the pressures of fame or the consequences of one's actions. In an interview, Del Rey explained that the song was inspired by her own experiences with the media and the public's perception of her. She stated that she wrote the song during a period of intense scrutiny, feeling like she was under attack from all sides.

The lyrics of "High by the Beach" are often abstract and open to interpretation, but they seem to touch on themes of paranoia, anxiety, and feelings of being trapped or stuck in a situation. Del Rey's distinctive vocal style and atmospheric production create a sense of nostalgia and longing, which may be reflective of her own desires for escape from the pressures of fame.

One possible reading of the song is that it's about feeling overwhelmed by the constant media attention and public scrutiny, leading to feelings of disconnection and isolation. The lyrics "I've got my shirt off, I'm high up on the beach / You can come and get me if you want" could be seen as a commentary on the way celebrities are treated like commodities, with fans having access to their personal lives.

Throughout the song, Del Rey's voice is hauntingly atmospheric, with lush instrumentation and a steady beat. The production is characteristic of her signature dream-pop sound, which has become synonymous with her brand of atmospheric and emotive pop music. "High by the Beach" has been praised for its introspective lyrics and soaring vocal performance, solidifying Del Rey's position as one of the most distinctive and influential vocalists in contemporary music.