Lana Del Rey’s song “All About Ethel” has sparked significant attention as a pointed track addressing singer Ethel Cain, following a long-standing and public tension between the two artists. Released as a snippet on social media in August 2025, the song features Lana confronting past grievances, including body-shaming and personal conflicts she attributes to Cain. The track’s tone blends Lana’s signature moody, ballad style with sharp, direct lyrics that reveal feelings of betrayal and disturbance caused by Cain’s behavior, which reportedly involved mocking Lana on Instagram and inserting herself into her private life.
The lyrics reference specific incidents, like Cain allegedly recreating a photo pose involving Lana’s ex-partner, Jack Donoghue, stirring controversy among fans. Lana also includes a striking viral line, “The most famous girl at the Waffle House,” which fans link to a 2022 New York Times profile on Cain and also recalls Lana’s own 2023 stint working at a Waffle House, adding layers of personal and cultural context to the song’s message. The song serves both as a diss and a raw emotional expression, portraying Lana’s side of the feud while underscoring themes of rivalry, fame, and artistic identity.
Ethel Cain, known for her Southern gothic style and haunting vocal work, has not publicly responded in detail to the accusations but acknowledged the public fallout by noting Lana blocked her on Instagram. The clash highlights complexities in the indie and alt-pop music scenes, where personal and professional boundaries often collide. The track, produced with collaboration from Jack Antonoff, fits into Lana Del Rey’s ongoing narrative of dark, introspective music layered with personal storytelling and cultural commentary.
Lyrics from “All About Ethel”
Ethel Cain hated my Instagram post
Think it’s cute reenacting my Chicago pose
The most famous girl at the Waffle House
I don’t regret it, the most famous girl at the Waffle House
This song is notable for revealing a real-life artist rivalry, blending Lana Del Rey’s cinematic songwriting with contemporary media drama. It reflects the challenges of maintaining artistic identity amid public scrutiny and personal conflict, making “All About Ethel” a standout and talked-about release in 2025.
