Not only are the hero journey and archetypes present in literature, they are present in music as well. These literary ideas are related to stories told in songs, and even from looking at one single artist’s work, many different archetypes can be found. So, here is a playlist of Lana Del Rey songs that feature steps of the hero’s journey and its archetypes: “This Is What Makes Us Girls” - Hunting Group of Companions Lana shares memories of her teenage years spent with a group of friends who would have fun living carelessly together. “Florida Kilos” - Call to Adventure Lana invites her lover to Florida, specifically to the glamorous and violent city of Miami where they can make bad decisions. “Lolita” - Temptress Lolita is aware of her effect on others (“I make the boys fall like dominoes”) and tries to lure a man to get what she wants. “Carmen” - The Faith Carmen is popular and loved but struggles with alcoholism. Her addiction has forced her to grow up far too fast (“You don't want to be like me / Don't wanna see all the things I've seen"). “God Knows I Tried” - Atonement with the Father After facing scrutiny and overcoming hardship, Lana believes that someone who will not constantly question her is her god, the one who has witnessed her entire journey. Her god who is important to her knows the truth. “Without You” - Star-Crossed Lovers Lana values her partner more than any fame or fortune but is also willing to sacrifice her well-being for him (even singing to him “your love is deadly”). “Terrence Loves You” - The Unhealable Wound Losing a loved one has changed the speaker (“I lost myself when I lost you”) and memories of them continue to pull the speaker into a reckless state. “Dark Paradise” - Refusal of Return When Lana thinks of her late partner, remembers them, dreams of them, she does not wish to open her eyes back to the reality where they are no longer there with her. “Video Games” - Freedom to Live Lana is happy with her partner, content with just spending time with him (“Heaven is a place on Earth with you”).
I really like how you talked about the journey of a hero but through an artists songs. I thought that was a cool example to give.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really interesting idea. She is one of my favorite singers!
ReplyDeleteA cool idea to trace the hero journey !
ReplyDelete