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MSU | Culture > Entertainment

My Analysis of White Mustang by Lana Del Rey

Sophia Jundy Student Contributor, Michigan State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Introduction: 

Lust For Life by Lana Del Rey is by far one of my favorite albums to date. There is something so timeless about every track. Track five is “White Mustang.” From the beautiful whistles to the gentle piano, “White Mustang” is a breathtaking song. 

In your feelings because of the song? We’re all in the same boat. Every line in the song tells her heart-breaking experience of being naive, ignored, and hurt. No one can stop the way they’re feeling when this chorus drops. 

Analysis:

Speculations are that this song was written after her relationship with Gerald Gillum, also known as G-Eazy. A big hint was Rey’s line “Everybody said you’re a killer, but I couldn’t stop the way I was feeling the day your record dropped.” In 2012, Gillum released Lady Killers. The definition of a “Lady Killer” is “A charming man who is very attractive to women.” The attractive aspect of Gillum’s music takes hold of Rey, and that is explained in the line above. 

In the music video, the opening scene is Rey standing above a man who is playing her lover. He knows he wronged her with his past behavior and the hand inching up her leg is his ask for forgiveness. We watch Rey interlace her fingers with his and fall into her feelings, giving into his manipulation. Throughout the rest of the video, Rey’s character is constantly ignored and pushed away. The lover is too caught up in his fame to accept the love she wants to give him. At the end of the video, a snippet of “Get Free” by Lana Del Rey plays. “We never got to fly at night, cause they were caught up in the dance.” This is the viewpoint of the man. Too distracted by a trance to give into love.

Despite having multiple warnings, Gallium’s Mustang was the biggest one. Ford Mustangs are known to have a bad reputation, but maybe that’s what makes them so desirable. They’re fast, pretty, and cool, but if the driver can’t handle such a famously designed car, they will be the reason it crashes. A “White Mustang” is a metaphor for the reckless relationship Lana Del Rey was in.

Rey’s broken heart was the writer of this song. She was told that he’d change his ways, and unfortunately, she believed him.

Sophia Jundy

MSU '26

Sophia Jundy is a senior at Michigan State University. She is working to receive degrees in Public Relations and Journalism, with minors in business and media photography, and a concentration in media relations. She is expected to graduate in Spring 2026.

On campus, Sophia is actively involved in the MSU chapter of PRSSA, serves as secretary for Her Campus MSU, and works as the public relations specialist for VIM Magazine. She is also an intern for MSUToday and manages social media for Chateau Coffee in Okemos, Michigan. Her past experience includes working with the Detroit Free Press, further expanding her skills in both traditional and digital media.

Throughout these roles, Sophia has built a strong foundation in AP-style writing, press kit development, in-depth interviewing, and strategic research. She prides herself on staying plugged into the media landscape, her phone is always buzzing with news alerts, trends, and pop culture moments. With a passion for fashion, music, and the entertainment industry, Sophia plans to channel her storytelling abilities into a career in communications, where creativity and cultural relevance intersect

In 2024, she studied abroad in Rome through MSU’s ADV + PR A La Mediterranean program, earning eight credits at the American University of Rome. As part of that experience, she attended the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where she gained first-hand insight into global public relations and began building a professional network on LinkedIn.

Whether she's pitching a campaign or creating a PR package, Sophia brings creativity, color, and intention to everything she does. Her colorful character is reflected in both her professional character and her wardrobe.