Los Angeles, Where’s Our Song?

Photo by Kevitivity

I was driving down the 405, which in addition to being a freeway, is also known as my second home, and out of boredom and contemplation, decided that I needed a break from the news talk shows I’m usually tuned into at nights. Although I’m frequently disappointed with the airplay of Los Angeles area radio stations as they offer no real diversity or advance the conversation of music, I felt like I had struck late night gold, or at least silver, when I heard Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ collaboration “Empire State of Mind.”

This infectious song, complete with  sharp tongued verses delivered by a calm and collected Jay-Z and a booming chorus by Ms. Keys is just what I needed to get me through the 35 mile long stretch home on a Tuesday night. But as the lyrics progressed while I passed The Getty and headed towards downtown Los Angeles, I got an inkling of jealousy and disappointment that I couldn’t shake off.

“Empire State of Mind” made me want to go home, pack my bags and head straight to LAX for the next flight to New York. It so accurately captures the essence of the city that I could see the crowds in Times Square, the vibrant community in Greenwich Village and millions of people crowding into its metro system that serve as the city’s pulsing heartbeat all within the span of three minutes, and Los Angeles, I got jealous.

I really did.

“Wheres our song!” I said out loud.

Before you bring up the slew of songs that have been written about L.A. or 2pac’s “To Live and Die in L.A.,” which, by the way, is incredibly dismal if you listen to the lyrics closely, I have to clarify that I’m looking for a song that makes me a) proud to live here and b) is somewhat hopeful and definitely current. In short, I am looking for an anthem. I want an infectious chorus to sing along to. I want to be driving down that parking lot of a freeway and go, hell yes - I live in L.A., and you know what sometimes I might complain, but I love this place. I love these people. I love these ragged streets.I want someone to sing about the big lights of L.A. inspiring them.  I want soul, and I want heart and I want it packaged into a 3 minute distraction. I don’t want to know about plastic people and expensive cars or gangs. I have no interest in listening to a song about the movie industry or celebrities or Beverly Hills (ahem, Weezer.)

I want to hear about the immigrants who carry the pulse of this city. I want to hear about Tehrangeles and Little Ethiopia and the Dodgers. I want to hear about the amazing streets artists whose art work deserves at least a verse. I want to hear about protesters and the firefighters who worked so hard to stop the recent Station Fire from swallowing L.A. whole.

Someone needs to do this - it’s not just a personal request, it’s a request on behalf of El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles del Río de Porciúncula. That’s Los Angeles to you.