Jay Gatsby Songs

Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic and mysterious protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," is a character that has captivated readers for generations. He is known for his lavish parties, his extravagant lifestyle, and his unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan. Throughout the novel, Gatsby is often associated with music, and there are several songs that can be linked to his character and the themes of the novel. These songs can provide a deeper understanding of Gatsby's psyche and the world in which he lives.

"Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey

One of the most fitting songs for Jay Gatsby is "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey. The song captures the essence of Gatsby's infatuation with Daisy and his desire to recapture their lost love. The lyrics "Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?" reflect Gatsby's fear of losing Daisy to the passage of time and his relentless pursuit of the past. The haunting melody and melancholic tone of the song mirror Gatsby's longing for a love that is unattainable, as well as the tragic nature of his character.

"Love is Blindness" by Jack White

Another song that encapsulates Gatsby's character is "Love is Blindness" by Jack White. The lyrics "Love is blindness, I don't want to see" echo Gatsby's willful ignorance of Daisy's flaws and the reality of their relationship. Gatsby is blinded by his idealized vision of Daisy, and he refuses to acknowledge her shortcomings or the impossibility of their romance. The raw and intense nature of the song mirrors Gatsby's relentless pursuit of a love that is ultimately destructive and unattainable.

"A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)" by Fergie, Q-Tip, and GoonRock

Gatsby is famous for his extravagant parties, and "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)" captures the spirit of these gatherings. The song reflects the hedonistic and carefree atmosphere of Gatsby's parties, as well as the facade of glamour and excess that Gatsby presents to the world. The lyrics "A little party never killed nobody, so we gon' dance until we drop" encapsulate Gatsby's philosophy of living in the moment and embracing the illusion of happiness and fulfillment.

"Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys

"Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys is a song that reflects Gatsby's ambition and his relentless pursuit of the American Dream. The lyrics "Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do" encapsulate Gatsby's belief in the limitless possibilities of wealth and success. The song also captures the allure of New York City, a symbol of opportunity and reinvention, which is a central theme in the novel. Gatsby's obsession with wealth and status is reflected in the aspirational nature of the song.

"Summertime Sadness" by Lana Del Rey

Another song by Lana Del Rey that is evocative of Gatsby's character is "Summertime Sadness." The melancholic and wistful tone of the song mirrors Gatsby's longing for the past and his inability to find happiness in the present. The lyrics "I'm feelin' electric tonight, cruisin' down the coast goin' 'bout 99, got my bad baby by my heavenly side" reflect Gatsby's romanticized view of his relationship with Daisy and his inability to move on from the memories of their past.

Conclusion

These songs provide a deeper understanding of Jay Gatsby's character and the themes of "The Great Gatsby." They capture his longing for a love that is unattainable, his relentless pursuit of the past, and the facade of glamour and excess that he presents to the world. Through these songs, we can gain a better understanding of Gatsby's psyche and the world in which he lives, as well as the timeless allure of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel.