La La Land

Lenay's song "La La Land" captures the duality of dreams and disillusionment often associated with the pursuit of success in Hollywood. The lyrics begin with a vivid recount of a 30-hour drive that breaks down in Utah, symbolizing the unpredictable and often challenging journey towards one's dreams. The mention of the Hollywood sign not being lit at night serves as a metaphor for the hidden realities and unmet expectations that come with chasing fame and success. Despite these challenges, the journey continues, driven by hope and determination.

The chorus, with its repetitive "la la la la la la la la land," emphasizes the almost hypnotic allure of Hollywood, a place where dreams are made but also where reality can be starkly different from the filtered images seen in pictures. The Boulevard of Stars, littered with gum, trash, and old cigarettes, paints a picture of the gritty reality behind the glamorous facade. The artist reflects on feelings of loneliness amidst the bright lights, questioning whether they are truly making it and if they have found a place to call home.

The song also delves into the transactional nature of success in Hollywood, where everyone has a number and a price. The traffic lights symbolize the constant movement and the search for direction, whether it leads to success or back home. The lyrics touch on the modern-day irony of spending good times staring at phones, highlighting the disconnect in an age of connectivity. The final verses offer a sense of escapism and hope, suggesting that with passion and belief in magic, one can conquer nightmares and turn them into dreams. The imagery of a mansion or a castle, and the promise to bedazzle or fight battles, underscores the lengths one is willing to go to achieve their dreams in La La Land.