Over summer, as I drove on my many trips down California from the Bay to LA, I was listening to the recent Daughtry album. I had been listening for awhile, since I saw him and Lifehouse in concert only a few months before, but never have I really paid attention to the lyrics. As “Tennessee Line” was playing, I began to relate to how Chris felt as he wrote it. He explains the need to leave the only comfort zone he knew in order to make something of himself; to follow his dream. Granted, I didn’t exactly follow a dream when I left Northern California 8 years ago. But having to choose two schools for college, one which was 8 hours away, the other, only 2, I knew that I would benefit better by leaving my comfort zone. It was time that I learned to live on my own; to see what else there was in the world outside of Napa. Eight years later, I am here appreciating life like I never thought I would. Had I not left to go to UC Riverside, I would not have reached the potential I had to be the person I am today. In doing so, I also managed to find the greatest group of friends, girlfriend, and an overall network of amazing individuals.
But with every pro comes a con. As much as I am so thankful for experiences SoCal and LA have given me, there is a part of me that absolutely hates the region (and it’s not just their sports teams). I hate how the large abundance of overly pretentious people have influenced the way I conduct myself day-to-day, lowering my patience and making me much more judgmental. With all of these nuisances, in addition to the ridiculous amount of traffic that I somehow believe lowers my quality of life, I often tell myself I’m going to pick up and leave once I graduate and go back up where I came from. But that would of course mean I would have to leave the place that has allowed me to be as happy as I am today.
After about an hour later on the drive, Mat Kearney’s album, City of Black and White, begins its rotation as the sun sets on I-5. The album’s title track gives me yet, another epiphany. Just because I came from a humble beginning in a small town, doesn’t mean I can’t coexist with what LA has to offer. The obvious contrast between my values, interests, and personality doesn’t have to separate me from those whom I interact on a daily basis. In a city that I feel is so fickle, beauty can be found. The shades of each color can create harmony. It was the subtle connection between these two songs that inspired me to record a medley, as it applies to me. I hope you enjoy it:
Recorded: August 2010, as part of the “End of Summer Series”
mp3 download: http://www.mediafire.com/?swxx8iwzbqag8ad
Well said. I love the greater LA area as much as I hate it at times. Sometimes I ask, “Have our lives come to THIS?” when I think about the social norms we find ourselves diving into such as adjusting our day just because of traffic, comparing our image, technology, and even beliefs for the sake of “keeping up.”
I see people who go against the grain, and I’m like “Hell yeah…do your thing, man.”
But I love the diversity here. This is a breeding ground for leaders, and oddly enough, individuals.
You should check out the video by 30 Seconds to Mars called “Kings and Queens.” It kinda reinvigorated my heart for the people of Los Angeles. It’s a beautiful depiction of the life here.
Again, well said.