In a cringe-worthy display of cultural ignorance, TikTok sensation Harry Daniels serenaded President Joe Biden with Lana Del Rey's "National Anthem" completely missing the song's commentary on the intertwining of money and love. Known for his off-pitch renditions of popular tunes, Daniels took his signature act to the White House, where he ambushed the president with his impromptu performance.
The lyrics of "National Anthem" delve into the theme of equating money with love, painting a picture of a relationship steeped in materialism and worship. As Lana Del Rey sings, "Money is the anthem of success," she presents herself to her wealthy partner as a commodity, a possession to be owned and worshipped just as much as money itself. She longs to be his "National anthem," his most prized possession, craving the same adoration and reverence that he lavishes upon his wealth.
However, Daniels' rendition to the president failed to grasp the song's nuanced commentary, reducing it to a mere spectacle devoid of its deeper meaning. In the now-viral TikTok video, Daniels can be seen grasping Biden's hand as he sings, oblivious to the song's implications. Meanwhile, the president, perhaps bemused by the unexpected serenade, plays along with a polite smile, while his security detail watches on.
As the video continues to circulate online, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cultural literacy and the dangers of reducing art to mere spectacle. While Daniels may have succeeded in grabbing the spotlight, his unwitting rendition of "National Anthem" only serves to highlight the pervasive cultural illiteracy that plagues society today.
