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 16: ‘Tack Truck x VB’
On an album filled with lyrical and musical references to her past work, it’s only appropriate that Del Rey wraps things up with an extended, grunged-up sample of one of her most beloved and iconic songs, ‘Venice Bitch.’ That’s what the “VB” stands for in the title of this track, and it comes as quite a giddy surprise halfway through the album’s final song.
But first we get the ‘Taco Truck’ half of the song, and I really wish this one went on longer. It’s an off-kilter banger that finds Del Rey shouting out her Hispanic fans and clapping back at her critics (I don’t know why she’s so defensive given her mostly rapturous reviews — still sore over those early-career personal attacks, I guess).
While I’d love another verse and chorus of the ‘Taco Truck’ portion, I do dig how the music slowly transitions to the dream pop of ‘Venice Bitch’ before we’re treated to a retelling of that tale over a sick beat. It’s a brazen and unexpected turn that feels exactly right.
So that wraps up Del Rey’s most ambitious album yet. While I wouldn’t call Ocean Blvd my favorite Lana album (that’s Norman Fucking Rockwell, always and forever), it may well be her best. It’s emotionally raw but sonically beautiful, the sort of record that demands your attention and rewards it in spades.
It also feels like a culmination of her impressive career. She’s only 37, but I would be only half surprised if she announced she was calling it quits after this release. She ties up so many loose ends here that it plays like a grand swan song.
I sure hope that isn’t the case, and she’s back with something equally unpredictable and extraordinary before too long.
[Verse 1]
Met my boyfriend down at the taco truck
Pass me my vape, I’m feelin’ sick, I need to take a puff
Imagine if we actually gave a fuck
Wouldn’t that be somethin’ to talk about for us?
Caribbean Blue in sweater weather, I’m falling into you
Although it seems I’ve gotten better, I can be violent too
[Chorus]
Oh, that’s why they call me Lanita
When I get down, I’m bonita
Don’t come find me in Reseda
I’ll go crazy
Read my gold chain, says “Lanita”
When I’m violent, it’s Carlito’s Way
Blood on my feet, on the street
I’m dancin’ crazy
[Post-Chorus]
Spin it ’til you whip it into white cream, baby
Print it into black and white pages, don’t faze me
Before you talk, let me stop what you’re saying
I know, I know, I know that you hate me
[Spoken Outro: Margaret Qualley]
Honey, I got up so early
And then, I got into the shower
I was just able to go back to sleep for a hour and a half
So that rocked, um, anyway (Ah, ah)
I had this dream where, um, aha, I don’t know
[Part II: VB]
[Intro]
(Soundin’ off, bang, bang, kiss, kiss)
[Verse 1]
You heard my baby’s back in town now (Oh no)
You should come, come over
We’ll be hanging around now
You should come, come over
Back, back to the garden
We’re gettin’ high now because we’re older
Me, myself, I like diamonds
My baby, crimson and clover
[Chorus]
Oh God, I miss you on my lips
It’s me, your little Venice Bitch
On the stoop with your neighborhood kids
Callin’ out, bang, bang, kiss, kiss
[Post-Chorus]
(Ah, ah, shatter)
Calling’ out, bang, bang, kiss, kiss
(Ah, yeah, ah, shatter)
Soundin’ off, bang, bang, kiss, kiss
(Yeah, yeah)
[Verse 2]
Back in the garden
We’re gettin’ high now because we’re older
Me, myself, I like diamonds
My baby, crimson and clover
[Pre-Chorus]
Wha-wha-wha-wha-whatever
Everything, whatever
Wha-wha-wha-wha-whatever
Everything’s whatever
[Chorus]
Oh God, I miss you on my lips (I do, I do)
It’s me, your little Venice bitch (Yes, it is)
On the stoop with the neighborhood kids
Callin’ out, bang, bang, kiss, kiss
[Refrain]
(Ah, ah, shatter)
Callin’ out, bang, bang, kiss, kiss
(Ah, yeah, ah, shatter)
Soundin’ off, bang, bang, kiss, kiss
(Yeah, yeah)
[Bridge]
If you weren’t mine, I’d be (Get high)
Jealous of your love (Drop acid)
If you weren’t mine, I’d be (Never die)
Jealous of your love (Not tonight, Lake Placid)
If you weren’t mine, I’d be
Jealous of your love (Yeah)
If you weren’t mine, I’d be
Jealous of your love
If you weren’t mine, I’d be (Oh, God, I miss you on my lips)
Jealous of your love (It’s me, your little Venice Bitch)
If you weren’t mine, I’d be (On the stoop with the neighborhood kids)
Jealous of your love (Calling out, bang bang, kiss kiss)
[Outro]
Mmm, mmm (Lake Placid)
Callin’ out, bang, bang, kiss, kiss
Mmm (Jealous of your love)
Soundin’ off, bang, bang, kiss, kiss
Mmm (Yeah)
Meet Me In Montauk 
I’m sure she will be back with a new album within 3 years, and you’ll be back with a track by track posting.🤪
As a huge “Venice B*tch” fan, I was very excited when it turned out that this is what VB was in reference to. Lana occupies that rare category of artists that for me have such a distinct sound and voice that I’m so drawn to it is difficult for me to rate the music from an objective perspective. I get ridiculously hyped to a song like “How to Disappear” which I’m sure is rarely considered a bop. I found many songs on this sprawling record struck me similarly. This finale is esoteric in the sense that it’s referencing a very specific 9 minute long deep-cut from one of her most beloved records. Although some outsiders might be able to access and find joy in some of its more inventive use of RHCP inspired guitar and synths, it’s most easily understood in context of her overall discography. As you articulated so well, at just 37, it’s quite astounding that she’s already established such a landmark sound which is a touchstone for so many other artist. Impressive album with a few tracks that are golden.
Loved hearing your breakdown and definitely understand some of the appeal of this album a little better through your analysis!
While I’ll remain rooted in that Norman Rockwell lane, I have a lot of respect for what Lana’s able to do in Ocean Blvd, and I’m sure I’ll be doing another listen through soon.