I Love LA

Album: Trouble In Paradise (1983)
Play Video
  • Hate New York City
    It's cold and it's damp
    And all the people dressed like monkeys
    Let's leave Chicago to the Eskimos
    That town's a little bit too rugged
    For you and me you bad girl

    Rollin' down the Imperial Highway
    With a big nasty redhead at my side
    Santa Ana winds blowing hot from the north
    And we as born to ride

    Roll down the window, put down the top
    Crank up the Beach Boys, baby
    Don't let the music stop
    We're gonna ride it till
    We just can't ride it no more

    From the South Bay to the Valley
    From the West Side to the East Side
    Everybody's very happy
    'Cause the sun is shining all the time
    Looks like another perfect day

    I love L.A. (we love it)
    I love L.A. (we love it)
    We love it

    Look at that mountain
    Look at those trees
    Look at that bum over there, man
    He's down on his knees
    Look at these women
    There ain't nothing like 'em nowhere

    Century Boulevard (we love it)
    Victory Boulevard (we love it)
    Santa Monica Boulevard (we love it)
    Sixth Street (we love it, we love it)
    We love L.A.

    I love L.A. (we love it)
    I love L.A. (we love it)
    I love L.A. (we love it) Writer/s: Randy Newman
    Publisher: Downtown Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 9

  • Valerie J from CaliforniaA lot of people did not catch on to Newman's sense of irony in this song, just like they never "got" it with "Short People". You'd probably have to live here to know this fact about the street the song leads off with: At the end of Imperial Highway, along with the Pacific Ocean, is the Hyperion treatment plant that processes all of the city's sewage. There is even a nearby surf spot that is nicknamed "S*#t Pipe". LOL!
  • Merv Wolf from SeattleI keep thinking there were more lyrics to this. Something about kids in private school?
  • Raiderfan from BuckeyeFrank Sinatra was commissioned to produce a song about L.A.. Much anticipated, it flopped. Newman came out with this. Hilarious Hit! I don't love L.A. so much anymore but I still Love I Love L.A.!
  • Gary from NySomeone famous was “the bum“ in the video, who was it?
  • Mike from West Richland, WaI grew up in Socal and I remember that comercial some what. The only people I remember was
    John McEnroe arguing with a cop over a ticket. (no sound, but it looked like he was arguing with a chair referee at Wimbledon). I also remember Pedro Guerrero, a Dodger player from the ‘80s. He waved at the camera liked he always did, with only the index finger on his right hand.
  • Alan from London, United KingdomThe song was featured in the hilarious Leslie Nielsen movie "Naked Gun"
  • Rich from La, CaThanks Laura, there's a lot of popular myths out there about Randy Newman's Homage to my hometown. Most were started by folks who hate LA.

    And you are right, this is still the first song that plays at the conclusion of all Laker Home Victory's. Its our anthem.
  • Mark from Byrdstown, TnWhat the hell ever happened to Newman? Other than the theme song for "Monk" what is he up to these days?
  • Laura from Cypress, CaTo my knowledge (I was involved in the making of the music video) Randy did not write "I Love LA" because he had been asked to compose a theme for the 1984 Olympics. The song and video were released in early 1983 at which time, thanks to VH1 and MTV, it received national attention. Within months of its' release, Randy and Laura (the big nasty redhead) promoted the song which became popular with radio stations and their listeners who called for the City of LA to adopt the song as the official city anthem. At the same time, Frank Sinatra released "LA is my Lady", which appealed to a different audience. Although the City of LA did not want to officially adopt either song, they did recognize Randy at a city council meeting in which he received a city proclomation. In 1984, Nike aired a commercial which used the song "I Love LA" and featured a few of the US Olympians. This was the songs only tie to the 1984 Olympics. The Los Angeles Lakers did and quite possibly still do play the song at their games. Another interesting fact...the "I Love LA" video was the only non-Michael Jackson video up for "Best Video" at the 1983 American Video Awards. Unfortunately, it did not win.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian OrchestraSongwriter Interviews

Writing great prog metal isn't easy, especially when it's for 60 musicians.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."