“National Anthem” is from Lana Del Rey’s album Born to Die.
Synopsis: The song narrates a relationship Lana had shared
with a wealthy partner. The main element of the song is about escapism and living the rich life as well as being careless. She reminisces on the good times they shared on such occasions as when he would drive her up to the Hamptons with him.
with a wealthy partner. The main element of the song is about escapism and living the rich life as well as being careless. She reminisces on the good times they shared on such occasions as when he would drive her up to the Hamptons with him. 
"Tell me I'm your National Anthem
Ooh, yeah, baby, bow down
Making me so wow, wow
Tell me I'm your National Anthem
Sugar, sugar, how now
Take your body down town
Red, white, blue's in the skies
Summer's in the air and
Baby, heaven's in your eyes
I'm your National Anthem
Money is the reason
We exist
Everybody knows it, it's a fact
Kiss, kiss
Ooh, yeah, baby, bow down
Making me so wow, wow
Tell me I'm your National Anthem
Sugar, sugar, how now
Take your body down town
Red, white, blue's in the skies
Summer's in the air and
Baby, heaven's in your eyes
I'm your National Anthem
Money is the reason
We exist
Everybody knows it, it's a fact
Kiss, kiss
I sing the National Anthem
While I'm standing over your body
Hold you like a python
And you can't keep your hands off me
Or your pants on
See what you've done to me
Give me Chevron"
While I'm standing over your body
Hold you like a python
And you can't keep your hands off me
Or your pants on
See what you've done to me
Give me Chevron"
Lyric analysis: comparing to some of Lana Del Rey's other songs such as 'Blue Jeans' this song is more towards the hip hop genre rather than indie. Although the phrase 'money is the reason, we exist' is something unique to indie artists due to the fact that they are known to comment on today's society in comparison to mainstream artists this also emphasises on Lana's indie attributes in the song.
Themes: A reoccurring theme that comes up in this song is the theme of patriotism and America. Quite evidently the song is titled "National Anthem" and the colour scheme being 'red, white' and 'blue' in the skies is used therefore making it appeal to the American public significantly.
Camera shots: In this music video the camera work is reflected with different types of shot angles which helps to make the video more realistic and appealing. The music video is introduced as Lana Del Rey is reenacting as Marilyn Monroe's 'Happy birthday' song this was captured using different rages for example: medium close up, long shots as well as some of the movements are panned from within the audience also a key factor within the camera work was that the camera is handheld this could imply that it was purposely trying to give an effect of this style of video being vintage or retro we could also back this statement with the flicker that was used as well as the part where the video was in black and white. Shortly after the performance we encounter an eye line match as she looks at her partner whom is 'ASAP Rocky'. During the video the closeups of Lana especially when she is moving her hand over ASAP Rocky's leg reflects her love/compassion as well as the illusion of living a wealthy life this evident from her chosen attire (Mis En Scene) which is formal yet simplistic which connotes with the idea of being 'elegant'. Throughout we see many medium angles of Lana Del Rey where she in very engaged with the camera in the sense that she is constantly making eye contact, one could state that this is to prove her significance in the music video. Furthermore we also pick up tracking motions of the familys movements rather with the camera being held still the shots follow the actions of the family, this could imply that the idea of a 'family' in this scenario is the most significant element.
In terms of editing, it is clear to make the judgement that the video was purposely made out to look vintage as well as that element of retro.This is evident from the overlay layers of blurs that intentionally make the video look older than what it actually is. However this is understandable as it suits the videos main narrative which is to recreate John F.Kenney's extermination.
The second case study I will examine and analyse is Katy Perry's 'The One That Got Away'
The main shot is modernistic, The use of flashbacks for instance using Katy Perry as a narrator in the sense that she is an elderly women created a bond between the audience and the protagonist as she is almost narrating her own life and the events that have took place. The way that the mis-en-scene that has been used connotes through the range of colors that has been conducted for example: black, white and grey links back to the "elderly women" and the sense that time is passing.
Camera Work: The two shots of Perry as well as the partner 'male' sexualises her. Furthermore commenting on the septia tone that was also used show how long ago it was when comparing to her life now therefore highlighting some sort of nostalgia. Shots are often reflected back to the present time and presents her looking sad which supports the audience to sympathies with her, for example "in another life, I would be your girl" these set of lyrics link to the mourning of her lover and more significantly how her life use to be as it no longer is the same. Furthermore the wide shot of her sitting alone on a bed reflects her loneliness.
A key symbolization: the use of tattoo's links her experience with her lover and the fact that he has left a permanent mark on her. The two close ups of the arm evidently shoes the audience the transformation in her skin and how the mark has kept the same despite her physical appeareance this suggest that her past has left a huge mark on her and this is presented through the tattoo.
In terms of editing, it is clear to make the judgement that the video was purposely made out to look vintage as well as that element of retro.This is evident from the overlay layers of blurs that intentionally make the video look older than what it actually is. However this is understandable as it suits the videos main narrative which is to recreate John F.Kenney's extermination.
The second case study I will examine and analyse is Katy Perry's 'The One That Got Away'
Camera Work: The two shots of Perry as well as the partner 'male' sexualises her. Furthermore commenting on the septia tone that was also used show how long ago it was when comparing to her life now therefore highlighting some sort of nostalgia. Shots are often reflected back to the present time and presents her looking sad which supports the audience to sympathies with her, for example "in another life, I would be your girl" these set of lyrics link to the mourning of her lover and more significantly how her life use to be as it no longer is the same. Furthermore the wide shot of her sitting alone on a bed reflects her loneliness.
A key symbolization: the use of tattoo's links her experience with her lover and the fact that he has left a permanent mark on her. The two close ups of the arm evidently shoes the audience the transformation in her skin and how the mark has kept the same despite her physical appeareance this suggest that her past has left a huge mark on her and this is presented through the tattoo.
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