English Teacher KP
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NFR Analysis- "Bartender"
🕑 Added 2023-04-04 23:54:07 +0000 UTCI discuss Lana Del Rey's impeccable poetry and storytelling in this track from Norman Fucking Rockwell. Specifically, I talk about the way she uses layered exposition and imagery to develop a central tone while also continuing the motifs seen in the album so far.
Comments
English Teacher KP
Thanks for the info! I am so proud of her for being sober for all of these years. I like that you also mention the (even) darker side of celebrity regarding the stalkers. I was definitely thinking about paparazzi, but what you mention about stalkers and obsessed "fans" is really important, too! And I do like the idea of the "bartender" being her safe space!
You're right about the substance abuse stuff, Lana used to be alcoholic when she was a teenager and has been sober for years now. I think the whole idea of hiding, buying a new truck in the middle of the night etc comes from traumas caused by stalkers who harassed her, people took pictures of her licence plate and followed her home. she also said that her house had been broken in a couple of times by these stalkers, one time she was inside when it happened. That's why I think "they" in her song can refer to the paparazzi but also to stalkers and so-called hardcore fans who have no problem crossing lines and invade her privacy. It's really interesting what you said about bartenders being like therapists and bars have this connotation of this place you go when you feel anxious, lost, or when you don't know what to do and you just need to have a glass at the bar to figure it out, maybe she goes to the bar, not necessarily to drink , but because the bar and bartender are her escape and safe place idk?
Jim Lent
Thanks for that. We boomers have a hard time shutting up.
English Teacher KP
Interesting! I can kind of see that!
English Teacher KP
No, don't shut up! This is such good information! Thank you!
Jim Lent
BTW, Joni Mitchell was romantically involved with both Crosby and Nash and they were all friends before and after. OK, I'll shut up now.
Pedro Medeiros
The “t-t-t” reminds me of the sound of glass, like the cups and bottles from a bar
English Teacher KP
You're right! That honestly makes a lot of sense! Thank you! I'm wondering if the sexual implication of "warm gun" would work here, though. It would certainly change the meaning a bit. I'm going to re-listen with that in mind!
Jim Lent
The Beatles have a song, Happiness is a Warm Gun, that John Lennon wrote about his sexual desire for Yoko Ono, so maybe a sexual connotation. Also, Ladies of the Canyon is the title song of an album by Joni Mitchell. I'm not saying there's definitely a connection with Bartender but the mention of Crosby Stills and Nash, which, yes, is a 1960s group (I'm old) at least hints at it.
