Continuing my track-by-track appreciation of Lana Del Rey’s newest album, Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd…
Track 12: ‘Let the Light In’
Entering the final third of Del Rey’s latest epic, things take a turn both thematically and sonically.
On ‘Let the Light In,’ the piano/strings sound dominating most of the album is eclipsed by an acoustic guitar (though we still get piano and strings) and the overall tone is romantic country rock. This feels to me like a lost John Lennon tune, and indeed Del Rey drops a reference to The Beatles as she is wont to do.
Sharing the choruses with indie artist Father John Misty, Del Rey delivers the album’s first truly romantic song. After 11 tracks filled with heartbreak, grief, and redemption, this song brings the album out into the light (appropriate, given the title).
I think ‘Let the Light In’ is a standout track on this album not just because it’s beautifully written and recorded but because of its placement. I imagine the record starting at street level, descending into the titular tunnel under Ocean Blvd., then digging deeper into Del Rey’s most intimate thoughts and emotions. This song and the ones that follow are where we break the surface again.
Pick you up at home, quarter to three
Ask you if you want somethin’ to eat
Drive around, get drunk, do it over again
Wake you up at night, quarter to one
I can never stop, wanna have fun
Don’t be actin’ like I’m the kinda girl who can sleep
[Pre-Chorus: Lana Del Rey]
‘Cause every time you say you’re gonna go
I just smile, ’cause, babe, I already know
You know I got nothin’ under this overcoat
[Chorus: Lana Del Rey & Father John Misty]
Ooh, let the light in
At your back door yelling ’cause I wanna come in
Ooh, turn your light on
Look at us, you and I, back at it again
[Verse 2: Lana Del Rey]
Pick you up around quarter to two
Usually we got nothin’ to do
Screw it, maybe you should go and record some of your songs
Got my dress on tight ’cause you know that I
Look shinin’ in the light, therе’s so much ridin’
On this life and how we write a lovе song
[Chorus: Lana Del Rey & Father John Misty]
Ooh, let the light in
At your back door yelling ’cause I wanna come in
Ooh, turn your light on
Look at us, you and I, back at it again
[Bridge: Lana Del Rey]
‘Cause I love to love, to love, to love you
I hate to hate, to hate, to hate you
Put the Beatles on, light the candles, go back to bed
‘Cause I wanna, wanna, wanna want you
I need to, need to, need to need you
Put the TV on, the flowers in a vase, lie your head
[Chorus: Lana Del Rey & Father John Misty]
Ooh, let the light in
At your back door yelling ’cause I wanna come in
Ooh, turn your light on
Look at us, you and me, back at it again
Meet Me In Montauk 
This song feels lighter and more accessible and I like that.
This was the first track from this record where I made a true mental note that this is one I could see listening to repeatedly. You explained the sonic release this song provides in the context of the album clearly breaking away from some of the more morose, low-end production into a country-folk tinged beautiful duet with Father John Misty. This is one of my favorite tracks on the album and, honestly, one of my favorite vocal performances from Lana.