Jesus in LA

Album: These Two Windows (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Alec Benjamin moved to Los Angeles in his teens hoping to find stardom and happiness. It all started well; he got a record deal in his first year there, but then got dropped by his label. After spending all his money and losing his friends, Benjamin realized he was living a lonely and shallow life and moved back home with his parents. This song recounts his classic Hollywood experience of moving out to California only to find the important things in life were things he already had.

    When they sold you the dream you were just sixteen
    Packed a bag and ran away
    And it's a crying shame you came all this way
    Cause you won't find Jesus in LA


    Benjamin explained on Instagram that it was only when he moved back in with his parents that he "realized the thing that I was looking for most was in front of me the whole time. My true friends and family. Even at my lowest point, being back home with my family is what made me truly happy."

    The singer added the song isn't about Jesus or religion. "It's about searching for hope and happiness and realizing those things aren't always where you think you'll find them," he said.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

16 Songs With a Heartbeat

16 Songs With a HeartbeatSong Writing

We've heard of artists putting their hearts into their music, but some take it literally.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.