Lana Del Rey‘s ‘Bluebird’ is a powerful new release. Fragile, retrospective, and hopeful, it offers a deep dive into her healing relationship with herself. Taking on a folk-country tone, it becomes pure poetry in sound.
From the first few notes, Lana Del Rey’s ‘Bluebird’ is instantly recognisable as hers. As the second track to be released from her upcoming album, following ‘Henry, Come On’, both songs explore themes of growth and healing — lulling listeners into excitement for the full release on 21 May 2025.
Lana shared the genesis behind ‘Bluebird’ on Instagram. She recalls getting ready to meet a past lover she had not seen in a long time, when a sparrow crashed into her window and collapsed on the ground. Overcome with emotion, she began singing this song to it.
Eventually, the bird flew away — and Lana went on the walk. That reconnection, however, led her into years of confusion and toxicity with the person. She later realised the bird was a sign from nature.
The track begins with soft, melodic acoustic fingerpicking, setting a wistful mood. In the first verse, she sings:
“Fly away for both of us, for you have wings, and I’ve no means to fly.” It suggests she feels powerless in this dynamic. Yet, it also hints at an inner strength — one that can eventually liberate her.
In the pre-chorus, she acknowledges that nothing she does can stop this person from leaving. It’s simply in his nature, no matter how much affection she has for him:
“Your thoughts are small, they can’t keep you from leaving. As the wake of my past crashes in.” The bird’s sudden appearance becomes a metaphor for emotional truth. She is the bird – capable of flight and freedom, even if diminished. She ceases the pre-chorus with: “We both shouldn’t be dealing with him.” There’s a quiet, painful realisation. She’s done putting herself through torment for someone unworthy.
The chorus in Lana Del Rey’s Bluebird, as well as in ‘Henry, Come On’, mirrors symbolism of the sun:“Find a way to fly. Just shoot for the sun ‘til I can finally run”. The sun illustrates both escape and danger. Much like how she used the sea in Norman F***ing Rockwell and the beach in Ultraviolence, the sun may become a core symbol in this upcoming record — another lens through which she explores risk and rebirth.
She continues: “I’ve kept him at bay, but the horses are coming / They’re racing their way round the bend.” This captures the helplessness of loving someone you know you shouldn’t. You try to remain strong and create distance, but the emotional weight is overwhelming. She embodies the raw, militant self-discipline with the lyric: “Don’t make me say it again”. It’s a turning point — a moment where she realises that love isn’t enough, and the only way forward is to choose herself.
The track ends with a final mantra: “Find a way to fly / Just shoot for the sun ‘til I can finally run / Find a way to fly.” She refuses to give up on herself. She runs toward liberation, reclaiming power after giving too much of it away.
It’s no coincidence this track was released in spring, as the season reflects themes of renewal and change. The bird becomes an emblem of transformation: from feeling trapped to flying free. It’s a quiet anthem of hope, reflecting on how peace can follow emotional turmoil.
Ultimately, Lana Del Rey’s ‘Bluebird’ offers a poignant reflection on personal growth and freedom. Lana steps away from the toxic patterns that have long defined her earlier work. Finally, she has found a way to fly.
Words by Grace (Culhane) Rodulfo
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