“Body Electric”

From Lana’s second album, Paradise, is “Body Electric”, a tale of a woman incapable of getting over a major loss by distracting herself from reality. The title is a reference to a poem, “I Sing the Body Electric” by Walt Whitman that places the sensuality of people in the physical world. This would immediately start playing as soon as Ben is offstage, preparing the audience for Willy’s death. The second verse covers multiple themes of the play in a few mere seconds, which allows for Act 2 to end on a high note. “Whitman is my daddy, Monaco’s my mother, Diamonds are my bestest friend. Heaven is my baby, suicide’s her father. Opulence is the end.” The first have of the verse covers Willys obsession with becoming rich and successful. Lana’s mother and father, as well as her favorite companion, are symbols of wealth and luxury. The second half is a perfect setup for Willy’s death, addressing death directly, and the cause of his death itself. Much like her song “Young and Beautiful”, created for Baz Luhrman’s 2013 adaptation of The Great Gatsby, “Body Electric” focuses upon the dangers of opulence and the pursuit of wealth. The song would end before Willy exits the house, and afterwards, pieces of multiple aforementioned songs, as well as “Heaven is my baby, suicide’s her father. Opulence is the end.” will play over each other, over dialogue, and over other sounds as Willy gets into his car and drives towards death.