Shirley Xiao, Shenzhen College of International Education Whenever I’m bored or frustrated, I play Lana Del Rey’s music on my phone. I first discovered her three years ago, when she gradually became more than just a singer to me; she became my literary teacher, my life guide, and an integral part of my identity. My devotion to Lana’s music initially stemmed from a passion for literature. Back then, as I delved into learning English literature, Lana’s lyrics felt like a treasure trove of similes, metaphors, and allusions, from which I could draw endless knowledge and inspiration. I vividly recall the thrill I felt when reading “Romeo and Juliet,” recognizing the famous line “you and I, we were born to die” as also appearing in Lana’s song “Born to Die.” Beyond these fortuitous encounters between her lyrics and my literary studies, she introduced me to countless poets and authors as well. Through her song “Off to the Races,” I delved into Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita” and the controversies of critique surrounding the author’s male gaze. While many perceived Lolita as deliberately seductive, others argued for the biased perspective of the narrator. For the first time, I witnessed the influential power of an author’s discourse that could sway objectivity. Listening to her song “Body Electric,” inspired by a poem from Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass,” I felt compelled to explore Whitman’s masterpiece, reveling in the celebration of self found in both “I Sing the Body Electric” and “Song of Myself.” Her song “Not all those who wander are lost” evoked cherished memories from elementary school. This title, a quote from JRR Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” has always been my motto. Moreover, Lana’s evolution as an artist is evident in her albums, transitioning from early extravagance to themes touching on societal concerns. Each album reveals a different aspect of the world, its people, and ideologies. It seemed as though Lana was in a constant state of transformation, with each song transporting me into various lifestyles and narratives, like a director capturing the candid moments of a diverse cast of characters. In essence, Lana conveys that we are the directors of our own lives. Every experience, be it positive or negative, serves as vital elements for creative expression. This perspective prompted me to view my own life with detachment and from various angles, learning to perceive successes and setbacks as opportunities for introspection and essential chapters in the film of my life. As she articulates in her song “Lust for Life,” Lana helped me recognize the significance of being “the masters of our own fate.” Instead of merely being the protagonists in life’s melodrama, I aspire to take on the role of the director. Perhaps, our entire existence is a quest for meaning, a “lust for life” that imbues us with vitality. | 