Lana Del Rey’s “Doin’ Time” is a cover of Sublime’s 1996 track, which itself was adapted from Gershwin’s classic “Summertime” in the opera Porgy & Bess.
As Interscope CEO John Janick explained, Del Rey became involved after sharing her admiration for Sublime while the label was executive-producing the Sublime documentary.
She recorded the cover and later decided to include it on her album Norman F**ing Rockwell!* because it perfectly matched the record’s hazy, West Coast aesthetic.
On May 7, 2019, she teased the track by posting a snippet on her social media accounts, confirming fan speculation that a release was near.
The song officially dropped ten days later alongside the trailer for the Sublime documentary. To promote NFR!, a Rich Lee–directed music video premiered on her YouTube channel on August 29, 2019.
“Doin’ Time” English Lyrics by Lana Del Rey
[Chorus]
Summertime and the livin’s easy
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
All the people in the dance will agree
That we’re well-qualified to represent the L.B.C.
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
[Verse 1]
Me and my girl, we got this relationship
I love her so bad, but she treats me like shit
On lockdown, like a penitentiary
She spreads her lovin’ all over
And when she gets home, there’s none left for me
[Chorus]
Summertime and the livin’s easy
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
All the people in the dance will agree
That we’re well-qualified to represent the L.B.C.
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
(Harder, yeah, harder, yeah)
[Verse 2]
Oh, take this veil from off my eyes
My burning sun will, some day, rise
So what am I gonna be doin’ for a while?
Said I’m gonna play with myself
Show them how we come off the shelf
[Chorus]
Summertime and the livin’s easy
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
All the people in the dance will agree
That we’re well-qualified to represent the L.B.C.
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
(Harder, yeah, harder, yeah)
[Bridge]
Evil, we’ve come to tell you that she’s evil, most definitely
Evil, ornery, scandalous and evil, most definitely
The tension, it’s getting hotter
I’d like to hold her head underwater
(Summertime)
(Ah, ah, ah)
[Chorus]
Summertime and the livin’s easy
Bradley’s on the microphone with Ras MG
All the people in the dance will agree
That we’re well-qualified to represent the L.B.C.
Me, me and Louie, we gonna run to the party
And dance to the rhythm, it gets harder
Song Credits
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Album Information – Norman F**ing Rockwell!* (2019)
“Doin’ Time” appears on Lana Del Rey’s sixth studio album, Norman F**ing Rockwell!*, released on August 30, 2019. Produced mainly by Jack Antonoff alongside Del Rey, the record blends soft rock, dream pop, and piano balladry, earning widespread critical acclaim for its lush production and poetic lyricism.
The album was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2020 Grammy Awards and is often regarded as one of Del Rey’s career highlights. Alongside “Doin’ Time”, standout tracks include:
The record peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 and topped charts in the UK and several other countries, solidifying Lana’s place as a defining voice of her generation.
Artist Discography (Highlights) – Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey has built a career blending nostalgic Americana, cinematic pop, and haunting lyricism. Since her breakthrough with Born to Die, she has become one of the most influential voices of her generation.
1. Born to Die (2012)
Her major-label debut featured hits like “Video Games” and “Summertime Sadness.” It became one of the best-selling albums of the 2010s.
2. Ultraviolence (2014)
Produced by Dan Auerbach, this darker, rock-infused record included fan favorites like “West Coast” and cemented her as more than a one-hit wonder.
3. Honeymoon (2015)
A lush, cinematic project that leaned into jazz and orchestral influences. Tracks like “High by the Beach” stood out for their moody elegance.
4. Lust for Life (2017)
Her most collaborative album, featuring The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, and Stevie Nicks. Songs like “Love” and the title track highlighted Lana’s evolving sound.
5. Norman F**ing Rockwell!* (2019)
Critically acclaimed and Grammy-nominated, this Jack Antonoff–produced record features “Venice Bitch,” “The Greatest,” and her cover of “Doin’ Time.”
6. Chemtrails Over the Country Club (2021)
A dreamy, intimate project exploring Americana and folklore-inspired themes. Songs like “White Dress” and “Chemtrails Over the Country Club” received wide praise.
7. Blue Banisters (2021)
Released just months later, this personal, storytelling-focused album showcased Lana’s raw writing with tracks like “Arcadia.”
8. Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023)
A sprawling, ambitious double-length album with experimental tracks like “A&W” and reflective ballads such as the title track.
Original Version by Sublime
The original “Doin’ Time” was released in 1996 by the American band Sublime on their self-titled album.
Their version blended ska, punk, hip-hop, and reggae influences, with Bradley Nowell’s vocals giving it a gritty, sun-drenched edge.
Sublime takes itself sampled George Gershwin’s “Summertime” from Porgy & Bess, making the track a bridge between jazz standards and West Coast alternative culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Lana Del Rey’s Version Unique?
Her cinematic production and sultry vocal delivery transformed Sublime’s ska-punk track into a moody, atmospheric ballad aligned with her signature style.
Is the Music Video Connected to the Album?
Yes. Directed by Rich Lee, the surreal video premiered just a day before Norman F**ing Rockwell!* dropped, tying the single directly to the album’s promotion.
Did Lana’s Cover Receive Critical Acclaim?
Critics praised it for honoring Sublime while reinventing the track in a way only Lana could, with outlets noting it as a standout moment on NFR!
