Summary

  • Lana Del Rey isn't afraid to call out her ex-lovers in her heartfelt lyrics, as seen in her recent concert where she hinted at her ex, Sean Larkin, getting married while they were still together.
  • Lana's relationship with rapper G-Eazy turned sour when he ended things with her and quickly started dating singer Halsey, leading to a public feud and lyrical jabs between the two.
  • Lana's past relationship with Barrie James O'Neill was complicated and filled with darkness, ultimately leading to their breakup due to his substance abuse issues. Despite the challenges, Lana remains hopeful for a brighter future.

Lana Del Rey is an iconic singer-songwriter who has won hearts worldwide with her raw lyrics and unique music style. Her lyrics often cover her love life and are known for being relatable to her legion of female fans. Lana's reputation as a candid storyteller has garnered her a dedicated following, who eagerly embrace her sometimes tragic but relatable narratives.

Much like her friend Taylor Swift, who Lana collaborated with on the fan-favorite track "Snow on the Beach", Lana Del Rey isn't afraid to lay bare her emotions through her music. She has become known for candidly calling out her ex-lovers in meaningful lyrics throughout her critically acclaimed discography. Here are some of her most noteworthy shades...

Lana Del Rey Shaded Ex-Boyfriend Sean Larkin With Lyric Change After He Was Allegedly Unfaithful

During a concert at London's BST Hyde Park, Lana Del Rey decided to add her personal touch to the song "Chemtrails Over the Country Club". The change in lyrics raised eyebrows and sparked speculation that she was shading her ex, Live PD star and former cop, Sean Larkin.

Related: Why Was Lana Del Rey's Mic Cut At Glastonbury Music Festival?

With a twist to the song's outro, Lana implied that Larkin got married to another woman while still being involved with her.

The audience caught the moment, as she sang, "He's born in December and he got married when we were still together. Sometimes I wonder what his wife would think if she knew that I didn't know anything. He's born in December and I'm born in June. He's born in December, and he got married while we were in couple's therapy together."

Lana Del Rey wearing a white dress
Lana Del Rey smiling wearing a white dress at the 35th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards
via Instar

The unaltered line "You're born in December and I'm born in June" further fueled the speculation, as it aligns with Larkin's December 7 birthday. Del Rey dated Larkin, who currently cohosts On Patrol: Live on Reelz as well as the podcast Coptales and Cocktails, from the fall of 2019 until the following March.

Larkin is a retired Tulsa police officer and married Carey Cadieux in January 2022. Following their breakup, Lana Del Rey had a billboard promoting her album placed in Sean Larkin's hometown. Underneath the picture, she included the phrase "It's. Personal." This public display hinted at unresolved emotions and indicated that their relationship may not have ended amicably.

Lana Del Rey looking upset while performing
Lana Del Rey onstage
via: Instar

Del Rey also addressed the situation in a 2021 Instagram Live session with fans, where she candidly admitted feeling heartbroken and devastated at the time. She reflected on the contrast between their personalities, noting that Larkin embodied a sunny and law-abiding demeanor, which made the breakup especially challenging.

She said, "He was perceived as everything that I wasn't, sunshine-y and on the right side of the law, and it just broke my heart, the whole idea of just everything disintegrating… Relationships completely break people, they really do. Even if you go on to the next one, it's not like it gets better."

Their split didn't seem to be entirely amicable, Lana's actions have hinted that she has lingering feelings and unresolved emotions from the breakup.

Lana Del Rey And G-Eazy Had A Public Spat After Their Failed Relationship

In 2017, Lana Del Rey found herself involved in a messy love triangle feud with rapper G-Eazy, according to reports by the Mirror. They were not only romantically connected but also planning to collaborate musically on G-Eazy's song, "Him and I", with Del Rey lending her vocals to the song.

Lana Del Rey performing during the 2023 Glastonbury Festival
Lana Del Rey performing onstage
via: Instar

However, things took a sudden turn when G-Eazy ended things with Del Rey and then quickly entered a relationship with singer Halsey, who ultimately took on the vocal part in G-Eazy's song. The Mirror reported that G-Eazy initially begged Lana to be the singer on his new song titled Him and I, but then they split, and he changed his mind.

Related: What Is Lana Del Rey's Relationship With Her "Nepo Daddy" Rob Grant Like?

Despite Del Rey's undeniable reach and influence, she didn't hold back from throwing a few jabs at G-Eazy. In response, he retaliated and shaded her in one of his songs. Their break-up may have happened in 2017, but it didn't stop Del Rey from playfully trolling him during her tour years later.

Lana Del Rey going for a walk
Lana Del Rey smiling and walking around with a cell phone close to her face
via Instar

During a performance of "White Mustang," a song inspired by G-Eazy, she altered the lyrics to imply that his record wasn't impressive. Lana changed the line, “Couldn’t stop the way I was feeling the day your record dropped,” to say “his” record, and added: “And it wasn't even that good.” This lyrical tweak didn't go unnoticed, and G-Eazy decided to respond in his own way.

In 2020, G-Eazy released his single "Moana," where he directly dissed Del Rey, making references to both her and another singer, Keisha. Del Rey's devoted fans weren't having any of it, they fiercely defended their favorite artist and mocked G-Eazy's attempt to criticize her. Social media erupted with one Twitter user humorously stating that G-Eazy trying to diss Del Rey in a lackluster song is nothing short of a "self drag."

Lana Del Rey Once Broke Up With Her Ex Because He Was "Dark And Unwell"

In a candid 2014 interview with Fashion magazine, Lana Del Rey opened up about her past relationship with Barrie James O'Neill. She described their dynamic as intriguing but complicated, admitting, "I'm a dark character, and he is an even darker character than I am."

Related: Lana Del Rey's Troubled Path: A Look At Her Most Controversial Moments

The singer further shared her struggle to find normality within their relationship, which ultimately inspired songs like "Shades of Cool." Delving into the reasons behind their breakup, Lana hinted at issues that the pair dealt with in their relationship, stating that Barrie's affinity for substances and being "unfixable" might have played a part. She claimed that it was undoubtedly a dark phase for both of them.

Lana Del Rey and dad
A closeup of Lana Del Rey smiling, along with a shot of the artist on a boat with her dad.
The Things

Acknowledging the challenges they faced, Lana referred to her ex as "unwell," while also acknowledging her own emotional issues, stating, "I am unwell in some ways." She reflected on the journey they had been through together with respect to their mental health.

However, amidst the gloom, Lana expressed hope for the future. She shared her desire to find a life partner, get married, and even have children, hoping they wouldn't inherit the darker aspects of her personality.