Lana Del Rey’s “The Other Woman” is a poignant cover of a classic song that delves into the emotional complexities of being a mistress.
Originally written by Jessie Mae Robinson and popularized by Nina Simone, the song explores the sorrowful existence of a woman involved with a man who is already in a committed relationship. It underscores the futility of the mistress’s hope for a complete relationship. Despite the facade of perfection, she is deeply unhappy and resigned to a life of waiting for moments of borrowed time.
Lana Del Rey’s emotive voice and the sparse arrangement of the song amplify the sense of desolation and longing, making “The Other Woman” a haunting ballad that resonates with listeners who have experienced or witnessed the complexities of love and infidelity.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
“The Other Woman” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
The other woman has time to manicure her nails
The other woman is perfect where her rival fails
And she’s never seen with pin curls in her hair anywhere
The other woman enchants her clothes with French perfume
The other woman keeps fresh cut flowers in each room
And there are never toys that’s scattered everywhere
In this verse, the song describes the meticulous and glamorous lifestyle of “the other woman.” She has the time and resources to maintain her appearance meticulously, unlike the man’s wife, who may be too busy with household responsibilities. The mention of French perfume and fresh-cut flowers emphasizes her effort to create an alluring and sophisticated environment.
The absence of toys suggests she does not have children, reinforcing the idea that her life is free from the chaos and responsibilities of a family.
[Bridge]
And when her old man comes to call
He finds her waitin’ like a lonesome queen
‘Cause to be by her side
It’s such a change from old routine
But
The bridge highlights the temporary escape the man finds with “the other woman.” When he visits, she is waiting for him, providing a stark contrast to his routine life.
She is described as a “lonesome queen,” suggesting that while she may appear regal and composed, she is ultimately lonely. The word “but” at the end of the bridge introduces the impending realization of her true emotional state.
[Verse 2]
The other woman will always cry herself to sleep
The other woman will never have his love to keep
And as the years go by, the other woman will spend her life alone
This verse reveals the underlying sadness of “the other woman.” Despite her efforts to be perfect and alluring, she is aware that she will never have the man’s full love and commitment. The phrase “cry herself to sleep” underscores her emotional pain and loneliness.
As time passes, she realizes that her relationship with the man will never evolve into something more substantial, and she is destined to remain alone.
[Outro]
Alone
Baby, do-do
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah
Ooh
Alone
The outro reiterates the theme of loneliness. The repetition of the word “alone” and the melancholic vocalizations emphasize the solitude and despair that “the other woman” feels. It serves as a poignant conclusion to the narrative, highlighting the emotional cost of being in such a relationship.
Deeper Meaning Behind “The Other Woman”
“The Other Woman” is a cover of a song originally written by Jessie Mae Robinson and popularized by Nina Simone. The song has a rich history, deeply embedded in the experiences of Black women in the mid-20th century. It was first recorded by Sarah Vaughan and later became widely known through Nina Simone’s rendition.
The song’s title “the other woman” explicitly identifies the subject of the song as a mistress—someone who is involved with a man who is already in a committed relationship. This role inherently places her in a secondary and often secretive position compared to the man’s primary partner, typically his wife.
The song explores the glamorous yet sorrowful existence of a mistress. It contrasts the outwardly perfect life of “the other woman”—with her manicured nails, French perfume, and immaculate home—with her inner loneliness and the realization that she will never have the man’s full love and commitment.
Despite her outward allure, “the other woman” experiences profound loneliness and emotional pain. She is aware that she will never have the man’s full love and commitment. The song reveals that she cries herself to sleep and realizes that she will spend her life alone, highlighting the emotional cost of her role.
Lana Del Rey’s rendition of “The Other Woman” carries her signature melancholic and cinematic style, adding a layer of modern nostalgia to the timeless theme of the song. Del Rey has expressed her admiration for Nina Simone, even tattooing “Nina” on her upper chest, which signifies the personal connection and respect she has for the original artist.
In interviews, Del Rey has mentioned that she carefully curates the narrative of her albums, and ending her album Ultraviolence with “The Other Woman” was a deliberate choice. This decision underscores the thematic exploration of love, infidelity, and emotional complexity throughout the album.
In the end, “The Other Woman” reflect the emotional turmoil and societal challenges faced by mistresses, particularly in the context of racial and gender dynamics during that era.
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He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.