Pretty When You Cry Lyrics

Lyric discussion by seebra 

Cover art for Pretty When You Cry lyrics by Lana Del Rey

I think that this song is about a girl trapped in an abusive relationship.

She loves him and is always there for him but he never "comes through" for her.

As someone already said I think it's possible that maybe he associates ugliness with pain and because she is so beautiful he doesn't think he is actually hurting her in any permanent or serious way.

Another theory I have is that maybe the word "pretty" doesn't necessarily mean that she looks beautiful it might mean that he just enjoys seeing her cry. Maybe to him her crying brings him joy.

My Interpretation