View source for High by the Beach

"High by the Beach" is a song by American singer Lana Del Rey, released in 2015. The track combines elements of trap-pop with Del Rey's signature dreamy and melancholic style. Its lyrics explore themes of escapism and empowerment, with imagery centered around getting high by the beach.

The song received widespread critical acclaim for its production, vocal delivery, and atmospheric soundscapes. It was praised as a standout summer anthem and late contender for "Song of the Summer." Rolling Stone ranked it at number 18 on its list of the 50 best songs of 2015, while Pitchfork placed it at number 75 on its list of the 100 best tracks that year.

Commercially, the song performed moderately. In the U.S., it debuted and peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with initial sales reported as 67,000 copies. It also reached number 60 on the UK Singles Chart.

The music video, directed by Jake Nava, features Del Rey in a beach house setting, incorporating elements of drama and revenge, where she uses a rocket launcher to destroy a pursuing helicopter and photographer. The visual style is minimalist, with handheld camera work adding to its intimate and raw feel.

Overall, "High by the Beach" solidified Lana Del Rey's reputation for creating atmospheric and emotionally charged music, blending nostalgia with contemporary production techniques.