Lana Del Rey's "Text Book" from Blue Bannisters: A Unique Interpretation
I wanted to share my take on one of my favorite songs from her album "Blue Bannisters," specifically the song "Text Book." While I've always had a soft spot for "Chemtrails Over the Country Club" and "Born to Die," this album and this song in particular have captivated me in a unique way. I've noticed that it doesn't always get the love it deserves, and I've developed a rather unconventional theory about it. Bear with me, as I present my interpretation of "Text Book" as a song possibly inspired by Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy.
I guess you could call it textbookĀ - The term "textbook" here may refer to a history book or some form of new education, suggesting that the song is about a significant historical period.
I was looking for the father I wanted backĀ - This line hints at Marilyn Monroe's lifelong quest to find her real father. Her mother, Gladys, concealed his identity from her, even going so far as to suggest that Clark Gable was her father, a notion young Norma Jean believed.
And I thought I found it in BrentwoodĀ - Marilyn owned a home in Brentwood, where she tragically passed away.
It seemed only appropriate you'd easily had my backĀ - This could refer to John F. Kennedy, the most powerful man in America at the time, who should have protected Marilyn, either through a romantic involvement or by helping her with her mental health struggles.
And then there was the issue of herĀ - Here, "her" could be JFK's wife, Jackie, or perhaps it's Norma Jean speaking about her Marilyn persona.
I didn't even like myself, or love the life I hadĀ - This line alludes to Marilyn's mental health issues and her constant yearning for a family and a baby.
And there you were with shinin' stars standin' blue with open armsĀ - JFK is known for his blue suits and his "blue blood" image as a heroic figure in America.
You touched the detriment most of the friends I knew already hadĀ - Marilyn's relationships were often superficial, with men primarily interested in her for her physical attributes. Perhaps this line suggests that JFK's connection with her went beyond the surface.
You've got a Thunderbird, my daddy had one, tooĀ - Both Marilyn and JFK owned Thunderbird cars, though the meaning of this line is less clear.
Let's rewrite history, I'll do this dance with youĀ - This line could signify a desire to go back and rewrite the past, possibly preventing the tragic fates of both Marilyn and JFK or even suggesting a desire for their reincarnation in today's society.
You know I'm not that girl, you know I'll never beĀ - Marilyn, as Norma Jean, might be expressing that she's more than the public image of the "dumb blonde" on the silver screen.
Maybe just the way we're different could set me freeĀ - This could mean freedom from Marilyn's mental health issues or from the unhappiness of her life as Marilyn Monroe.
There we were, screamin', "Black Lives Matter"Ā - Both JFK and Marilyn were advocates for civil rights in the 1960s.
In a crowd, by the Old Man RiverĀ - "Old Man River" might symbolize the perpetual struggle for civil rights in the 1960s.
And I saw you saw who I amĀ - Perhaps JFK truly saw Norma Jean and not just Marilyn.
God, I wish I was with my fatherĀ - This line conveys Marilyn's longing to be with the father she never knew.
He could see us in all our splendorĀ - Her idealized father would be proud of her and the love she found.
All the things I couldn't want for himĀ - Marilyn wished for happiness for her father.
I screamed for them, oh, ohĀ - Possibly a cry for JFK and Marilyn's lost love.
I screamed for them, ah-ahĀ - The longing for a different outcome or for reincarnation.
Could we do this dance again?Ā - A plea to live their lives over and over, correcting past mistakes.
Do you think if I go blonde we could get our old love back?Ā - Wondering if JFK would love her as Norma Jean rather than Marilyn.
I guess this is really the endĀ - Recognizing that JFK chose Jackie over her.
I never felt jealous before this year, but I'm jealous nowĀ - Jealousy that no one will ever truly see the real Norma Jean, no matter how close they get.
People say we're too much alikeĀ - Both were powerful figures in their respective fields, advocating for equal rights.
But maybe, finally, that'll make it right in the endĀ - Suggesting that their shared characteristics might eventually lead to a just outcome.
Old Man River keeps rollin'Ā - The ongoing struggle for civil rights.
With or without himĀ - JFK contributed to the civil rights movement, but it remains a challenge even without his involvement.
Old Man River keeps rollin'Ā - The ongoing struggle continues.
Without him, oh, my old manĀ - The hope that progress will continue, even without JFK's direct influence.
In essence, "Text Book" may be a song that weaves together the perspectives of Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy, touching on their shared history, struggles, and the possibility of rewriting their story in a different era. It's a unique interpretation that adds an intriguing layer to Lana Del Rey's lyrical storytelling. What are your thoughts on this take?
