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About

Genius Annotation

“Ultraviolence” is the title track of Lana Del Rey’s third full-length LP and was released as a promotional single. Lana first utilized the term ultraviolent in an unreleased song entitled “Hundred Dollar Bill.”

In a Kulturnews interview, Lana said that “Ultraviolence” was about a cult leader she met as a member of underground group in New York.

I used to be a member of an underground sect which was reigned by a guru. He surrounded himself with young girls. He thought that he had to break people first to build them up again. At the end I quit the sect.
- Interview with CultNoise Magazine

It is speculated that she is talking about Atlantic Group, a part of Alcoholics Anonymous, which she joined in the past. They were notorious for their cult behaviour and poor treatment of older men and young women. The Pacific Group (which AG is a branch of) is partly run by a man named Jim, which is name of the character referenced in the song. The lyric could also reference Jim Jones, an infamous cult leader who led a mass suicide of his followers in 1978.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Lana Del Rey say about "Ultraviolence"?
Genius Answer

According to Songfacts, Del Rey described the origin of the song title in an interview for Complex magazine:

I like that luxe sound of the word ‘ultra’ and the mean sound of the word ‘violence’ together. I like that two worlds can live in one. I like a physical love, I like a hands-on love. How can I say this without getting into too much trouble? I like a tangible, passionate love. For me, if it isn’t physical, I’m not interested.

What certifications have this track received?
Genius Answer

On November 24, 2021, “Ultraviolence” was certified gold by the RIAA.

How did the song perform commercially?
Genius Answer

“Ultraviolence” debuted at #70 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the chart week ending of June 21, 2014.

Is there a live performance of "Ultraviolence" by Lana Del Rey?
Credits
Producer
Electric Bass
Pedal Steel Guitar
Mixing Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Drum Programmer
Synthesizer
Graphic Design
Mellotron
Photography
Produced At
Recorded At
Easy Eye Sound (Nashville, TN)
Released on
June 4, 2014
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