7) Ultraviolence Explores Feminism In A Unique Way
Del Rey infamously declared feminism was “not an interesting concept” in an interview just prior to the album’s release, but the singer certainly makes an effort to explore the idea on numerous songs throughout Ultraviolence.
The song Fucked My Way To The Top toys with the concept of using your sexuality to attain your goals, something many feminists may balk at, but depending on your perspective, some may argue that this is in fact empowering for women. Money Power Glory further celebrates dominance over the opposite sex, telling the story of a femme fatale who is out to squeeze everything she can from the men of this world. The words “You should run, boy, run,” reveal Del Rey at her most menacing as she sings with a venomous rage that strikes fear into the hearts of the men she would destroy.
Lyrically, the most divisive song on the album is the title track Ultraviolence, which depicts a woman caught in the passion of a physically abusive relationship. The title of The Crystals song, He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss), from 1962, becomes a disturbing refrain in the chorus, as Del Rey sings about sirens that could signify either a deadly emergency or the allure of sexual attraction. The way in which Del Rey intertwines sex and violence on the track may be unsettling for some listeners, but the passive aggression you can hear in the verses suggests a degree of irony which critics should consider before attacking the controversial singer.
