Lana Del Rey's 'Cola' is a provocative, dreamy song that highlights themes of Americana, sensuality, and escapism. It portrays an unapologetic awareness of the singer's sexual desires and an attraction to older men, embedded within a narrative that includes surreal elements and cultural references.
The song begins with a tone of provocative confidence, as Lana Del Rey uses a comparison to Pepsi Cola to suggest her allure and distinctive flavor. The 'wide eyed' aspect hints at a sense of innocence or perhaps feigned naivety, which juxtaposes the otherwise mature desires that she voices. The song sets the stage by establishing the singer's preferences and a self-awareness that is both playful and direct.
As the journey unfolds, there's a surreal and intoxicating descent into a world where the character 'Harvey' is associated with the high life, diamonds, and partying, suggesting a state of mind elevated by fantasy or perhaps substances. This gives off the exhilarating feeling of living fast and free, touched with a hint of hedonism, yet underscored by a repetitive undercurrent of needing to escape.
The repeated invitations to 'ride' and to escape to the 'great sunshine' imply a yearning for freedom, a journey together, away from obligations—specifically, away from the societal constraints of relationships as implied by 'I know your wife and she wouldn't mind'. These lyrics create an aura of forbidden love and secret rendezvous, evoking a mix of excitement and guilt.
The bridge presents a softer appeal, asking to be treated nicely despite the whirlwind of a lavish lifestyle and superficial adornments ('diamantes ices'), yearning for genuine caring in the midst of partying. It provides a contrast to the overarching theme of pleasure-seeking and breaks the emotional journey into a more vulnerable space.
"My pussy tastes like Pepsi cola"
This line serves as a provocative opening, comparing sexual flavors to a well-known American soft drink, Pepsi Cola, which symbolizes the singer's bold and refreshing allure.
"Harvey's in the sky with diamonds and he's making me crazy"
Attributing a luxurious, care-free vibe to the character 'Harvey', possibly referencing 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' by The Beatles, intertwining themes of fantasy and hedonism.
"I wear my diamonds on Skid Row"
This may juxtapose the glamour of diamonds with an impoverished area, Skid Row, showing a contrast between wealth and destitution, suggesting the singer's ability to navigate and reconcile different aspects of American society.
"We made it out to the other side"
The repetitive mention of making it to 'the other side' resonates with themes of overcoming or escaping to a new phase or reality, hinting at a hopeful resolution to unchecked escapism.