If you’ve ever scrolled through high-res photos of Elizabeth Grant—known to the world as Lana Del Rey—you’ve probably noticed the script. It’s everywhere. It’s on her hands, her arms, and tucked away near her collarbones. Unlike the neon-soaked, heavy-traditional sleeves of other pop stars, Lana’s ink feels like a collection of vintage postcards. It's delicate. It's literary. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mood.
People always ask: "Are they real?" Yeah, they are. Mostly.
Lana Del Rey tattoos aren’t just aesthetic choices; they are a map of her obsessions. From 19th-century American poets to the tragic jazz singers she listens to on loop, her skin is a curated library. If you're looking to understand the woman behind the "Born to Die" persona, you've gotta look at the handwriting on her hands.
The Hand Tattoos: Paradise and Trust No One
Probably her most famous pieces are the ones scrawled on the outer edges of her hands. On her left hand, you'll find "paradise." It’s a word she’s basically built a career on. It’s the title of her 2012 EP and a recurring theme in her lyrics. To her, paradise isn't necessarily a beach in Hawaii; it's a state of mind, or maybe a place you only get to visit after a lot of heartbreak.
Then there’s the right hand: "trust no one."
It’s a bit cynical, right? But it fits the noir, femme fatale vibe perfectly. She got these done early in her career, and they've become iconic. Fans get these exact words in the exact same spots all the time. It’s sort of the "Lana starter pack" for tattoos.
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That Mysterious "M"
On the side of her left hand, near the thumb, there’s a cursive "M." For years, people on Reddit and Tumblr argued about what it meant. Was it for Marilyn Monroe? Was it for "Music"?
Actually, it’s a tribute to her grandmother, Madeline. Lana has always been vocal about her love for her family and her roots in upstate New York. It’s a small, sweet detail that grounds her otherwise "old Hollywood" image in something very real and personal.
Some eagle-eyed fans noticed in old Lizzy Grant photos that there might have been a "JB" written there in pen once. Some think it was a tribute to Jimmy Gnecco or even just a doodle, but the "M" is the permanent fixture now.
The Literary Arm: Nabokov and Whitman
Lana is a writer first. She released Violet Bent Backwards over the Grass, a book of poetry, for a reason. So, it makes total sense that she’d have the names of her favorite authors permanently etched into her skin. On her right arm, she has "Nabokov Whitman."
- Vladimir Nabokov: The author of Lolita. You can’t talk about early Lana Del Rey without talking about the Lolita influence—the heart-shaped glasses, the "light of my life" lyrics. It’s controversial, sure, but she’s always been drawn to the dark, complex beauty of Nabokov’s prose.
- Walt Whitman: The American poet who wrote Leaves of Grass. She references him in the song "Body Electric" ("Whitman is my daddy"). She loves the way he romanticized the American landscape.
Basically, she’s carrying her influences with her. She once mentioned in an interview with Fashion Magazine that she gets lonely on the road, so she brings these people with her through her tattoos. It’s her way of staying connected to the things that inspire her when she’s in a different hotel room every night.
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The Tribute Chest: Amy, Whitney, Nina, and Billie
This is where things get really emotional. Lana has a series of names tattooed near her collarbones and chest. These aren't friends she went to school with; they are the "saints" of her musical world.
On her right collarbone, she has "Amy Whitney." That’s for Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston. Lana was deeply affected by Amy’s death in 2011. In fact, she’s said in interviews that when she heard the news, she didn't even want to sing anymore. She felt a kinship with Amy—the soulful voice, the public struggle, the raw honesty.
On the other side, she has "Nina Billie."
- Nina Simone
- Billie Holiday
These are the blueprints. If you listen to Lana’s lower register or the way she drags out a note, you hear the ghost of Billie Holiday. By tattooing their names, she’s acknowledging that she stands on the shoulders of giants. It’s a very specific kind of "good luck" charm.
Chateau Marmont and the "Die Young" Finger
Lana’s life is basically a love letter to Los Angeles. It’s no surprise she has "Chateau Marmont" tattooed on her left arm. For those who don't know, it's the legendary Sunset Boulevard hotel where every movie star has stayed (and some have died). It’s the ultimate symbol of Hollywood glamour and tragedy.
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And then there's the one that always catches people off guard. On the inside of her ring finger, she has "die young."
Dark? Yeah. But it’s very Born to Die. It’s a reminder of the "live fast" philosophy that defined her early aesthetic. Interestingly, she also has "Nina & Billie" nearby on her chest, and she’s mentioned that she likes getting "good luck scripture" every year.
Actionable Tips for Your Own Lana-Inspired Ink
If you're looking to get your own piece of Lana-inspired body art, don't just copy hers blindly. Think about the why behind them. Lana's tattoos work because they are deeply personal reflections of her taste and history.
- Choose a meaningful script: Instead of "Paradise," choose a word that defines your safe place. Use a delicate, thin-line font to mimic her style.
- Placement is key: The side-of-the-hand tattoo is a bold move (artists call it a "job killer," though maybe not in 2026). If you want something more subtle, the inner arm or collarbone offers that same vintage feel.
- Think about your "Saints": Who are the people who made you who you are? Whether it's a grandmother like Madeline or an artist like Amy Winehouse, tribute names are a timeless way to honor your influences.
- Consult a fine-line specialist: Lana's tattoos are thin and elegant. They require a steady hand and someone who knows how to prevent "blowout" (where the ink spreads under the skin).
The beauty of lana del rey tattoos lies in their simplicity. They aren't trying to be loud; they are whispers of a life lived through art and music. Whether you're a "stargirl" or just someone who appreciates good typography, there's a lot to learn from the way Lana wears her heart—and her library—on her sleeve.