The final version of "National Anthem" is a booming, orchestral celebration of wealth and power. The demo, however, is drastically different. Leaked in late 2011, the Born to Die demo of "National Anthem" features a sparse, drum-machine-driven beat that sounds like it belongs in a dimly lit Brooklyn basement. Lana’s vocals are breathier, almost whispered. The bridge is entirely different, featuring a spoken-word segment about JFK and Marilyn Monroe that was cut from the official release. Many fans argue this demo captures the true "sarcasm" of the song better than the polished album version.

released Born to Die in 2012, she didn't just drop an album; she launched a cultural shift. But for the "real deal" fans, the 15 tracks on the standard edition are only the surface of a much deeper, more chaotic, and arguably more raw world.

In conclusion, the Born to Die demos are far more than discarded B-sides; they are an essential chapter in music history. They reveal the raw talent that existed before the major-label machine intervened, offering a more intimate and unfiltered look at one of the 21st century’s most influential pop auteurs. While the official album defined an era of mainstream pop, the demos captured the hearts of the internet generation, proving that sometimes, the unpolished truth is more compelling than the shiny final product.

: Several demos exist, ranging from early Justin Parker productions to "rough mixes" by Dan Carey .

In an interview with , Lana revealed that she had created a batch of demos, which she referred to as "The Paradise Edition". These demos were recorded in a small studio in New York City, with Lana on vocals and guitar, and producer Emile Haynie contributing keyboards and programming.