Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: pop
Song Meaning of “Off To The Races” by Lana Del Rey
“Off To The Races” by Lana Del Rey tells the story of a woman who is using substance abuse as a means to escape the pain of a difficult past. The opening lines of the song, “My old man is a bad man/ But I can’t deny the way he holds my hand,” implies that the woman is trying to deny the memories of her past and instead focusing on the moment, in which she feels safe and comforted with her partner.
The chorus of the song, “Off to the races/ Bought me a trick and I’m off to the races,” is a metaphor for her using alcohol, drugs, and other vices to escape the pain of her past. The song also alludes to the instability of her current relationship, saying, “My man is my man/ But he’s not the one I put my trust in.”
The song underscores the idea that while the woman may want stability and security, she finds it hard to attach herself to one person or bond with any relationships due to her own personal struggles. Ultimately, “Off To The Races” is a tragic yet honest story about one’s propensity to run from their past in order to cope with pain.