Lana Del Rey is worn down by life and love on her synth-driven new single, seeking sweet escape near the ocean. "High By the Beach" is the singer's second tease of her upcoming fourth LP, Honeymoon, which is expected later this year. During an interview with Beats 1 DJ Zane Lowe, Del Rey discussed the process of writing the song and said, "It started with the chorus. I was driving by the beach a lot. This was probably one of the last ones on the record. Even with the harmonies, it almost sounded monotone. But with the beat, it has this trap influence."