"cruel world" is a song by american recording artist lana del rey, taken from her third studio album, "ultraviolence" (2014). the song serves as the album's opening track. it is a "melancholy love song that depicts a self-professed crazy girl who's just ditched her drug addict loser of a boyfriend." the song was met with critical acclaim from most reviewers, who praised del rey's strong vocal performance and the lyrics.