"Kintsugi" by Lana Del Rey
Reflection
"Kintsugi" by Lana Del Rey takes its name from the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver or platinum, creating a new and unique piece of art. The idea is that the repair isn't something to hide, but rather it is part of the story of the object. You could say that it actually makes the original piece more beautiful and interesting. Through brokenness comes new life. Below, is a photo of kintsugi from the 16th century.
This song also draws heavily on "Anthem" by Leonard Cohen which has one of my favorite lines in a song - "There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." I highly recommend watching the video of Leonard Cohen performing this song in London below.
"Kintsugi" was written when Lana and her extended family was with her uncle in hospice. My Grandfather was recently admitted into hospice so the themes of loss, brokenness and trying to find purpose during difficult life experiences weigh heavily on me right now. My Grandfather is a wonderful person who truly exemplifies what it means to be a faithful child of God. I'll miss him dearly, but I know that he has lived a beautiful life, cracks and all, and is ready to meet his Maker.
Lana struggles with coming to grips with this loss in her life and admits that she is "probably runnin' away from the feelings today." I can relate. I'd prefer to distract myself with anything else than to sit and reflect on loss and grief.
This song reminds me that through difficult circumstances and pain, we can become stronger and more beautiful, just like the repaired pottery. It is through these cracks that light can penetrate and transform us into someone more stunning and beautiful than before.
Links
Lyrics
There's a certain point the body can't come back from
In one year, we've learned the turn of the mouth
The depth that the chest cavity takes
Chucky was there for three out of three
I was there for the third 'cause I couldn't be
There for the one who was closest to me
But I can't say I'd run when things get hard
It's just that I don't trust myself with my heart
But I've had to let it break a little more
'Cause they say that's what it's for
That's how the light shines in
That's how the light shines in
That's how the light gets in (Mm-mm)
So everyone was there, they were standin', laughin'
And I'm on the side with my tears streamin' down
There's somethin' about the clutch of the wrist
He thought mine was his to carve into his mouth
We've only got hours
And I just can't stop cryin' 'cause all of the ways
When you see someone dyin'
You see all your days flash in front of you
And you think about who would be with you
And then there's Donoghue
Daddy, I miss them
I'm in the mountains
I'm probably runnin' away from the feelings I get
When I think all the things about them
Daddy, I miss them
I'm at the Roadrunner Café
I'm probably runnin' away from the thoughts in the day
I'd have things to do with them, but they say
"That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in"
Think by the third of March, I was cracked open
Finally, the ground was cold, they wouldn't open
Brought by the sunlight of the spirit to pour into me
There's a name for it in Japanese, it's "Kintsugi"
They sang folk songs from the '40s
Even the fourteen-year old knew "Froggie Came A-Courtin"
How do my blood relatives know all of these songs?
I don't know anyone left to know songs that I sing
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
But daddy, I miss them
I'm at the Roadrunner Café
Probably runnin' away from the feelings today
In the snow-capped mountains of the desert
Daddy, I miss them
I'm in the mountains
Probably runnin' away, I've been meaning to say
That there's nothing to do except know that this is
How the light gets in
Like cracking, the light gets in
It's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
Then you're golden, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Just another folk song, but anyway
I try so hard, but that's okay
It's how the light gets in
It's how the light gets in
It's how the light gets in
For Further Reflection
How can the Japanese art of Kintsugi be applied to your life? What can you learn from the art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or platinum?
How can you find beauty in your past struggles and pain? How can you use these experiences to fuel your personal growth and transformation?
Reflect on "Anthem" by Leonard Cohen and think about a time when you have experienced light entering into a crack in your life.
Playlist
I’ve created a playlist with all of the songs we’ve featured so far.