Vanish Into You as a tribute for Tony Bennett

I think it's a bit suspicious that Gaga has at least in passing talked about nearly every song on Mayhem except this, despite Vanish Into You getting a special mention on promo stickers on Mayhem vinyls. Let's talk about it!

High on a Hill, Blue Moon and For Once in My Life are all references to Tony Bennett's songs. One reference would be a coincidence - but three in a row is intentional, like Gaga referencing Hitchcock films in Bad Romance.

"Do you see me now?" is Gaga wondering if Tony Bennett will ever recognize her again as he succumbs to Alzheimer's disease. "We were happy just to be alive" as they enjoy each others company in the moment. She feels grief incoming, but Tony doesn't. He's just happy to be there.

"It was cold in the summer time" the happiness is fleeting to the the grief. he passed away in summer 2023. "When I die can I Vanish Into You?" is her hoping to reunite with him when it's his turn to go.

There is a lot of pain in knowing that someone's memory of you fades away before their soul does. I've seen people talk about Gaga reheating her nachos, but memorializing someone in an anthem in such a heartbreaking way is definitely something she hasn't done before. A fresh serving of nachos, if you will.