Emmylou Harris

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
She left Dallas for California
With an old friend at her side
Well, he did not say much
But one year later
He'd ask her to be his wife

[Chorus]
And the lights of L.A. County
They look like diamonds in the sky
When you're driving through the hours
With an old friend at your side

[Verse 2]
One year later, I left Houston
With an old friend at my side
Well, it did not say much
But it was a beauty
Of a coal black .45

[Chorus]
And the lights of L.A. County
They look like diamonds in the sky
When you're driving through the hours
With an old friend at your side
[Verse 3]
So I drove on all the day long
And I drove on through the night
And I thought of her waiting
For to be his blushing bride

[Chorus]
And the lights of L.A. County
They looked like diamonds in the sky
As I drove into the valley
With my old friend at my side

[Bridge]
And as she stood there at the altar
All dressed in her gown of white
Lord, her face was bright as the stars a-shining
Like I'd dreamed of all my life

[Verse 4]
And they kissed each other
And they turned around
And they saw me standing in the aisle
Well, I did not say much
I just stood there watching
As that .45 told them goodbye
[Outro]
And the lights of L.A. County
Look like diamonds in the sky
When you're kneeling at the altar
With an old friend at your side
And the lights of L.A. County
Are a mighty pretty sight
When you're kneeling at the altar
With an old friend at your sideEmbed

Do you ever come across a song that manages to captivate you with its unique blend of dark lyrics and lighthearted melody? Well, L.A. County by Lyle Lovett is one of those songs that effortlessly achieves this elusive balance. In this song, Lovett takes on the role of a man who finds himself entangled in a twisted love triangle that leads to a tragic and violent climax. Reminiscent of the iconic Western ballads popularized by legends like Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash, L.A. County transports listeners to a world of passion, betrayal, and revenge.

Let's dive deeper into the details of this captivating song. Lyle Lovett masterfully crafts a narrative centered around unrequited love and the devastating consequences that ensue. Our protagonist, infatuated with a woman from Texas, watches helplessly as she decides to run away with one of his friends. Fueled by rage and a broken heart, Lovett's character embarks on a vengeful journey that takes him from Texas all the way to Los Angeles, where the ill-fated couple plans to marry in a church.

The dramatic climax of the story unfolds as Lovett bursts into the church while the bride and groom exchange their vows and shares his fury with a pistol shot that claims both their lives, forever intertwining their destinies. It's a dark and chilling tale that echoes the likes of Marty Robbins' "El Paso," where love and violence become inextricably intertwined.

Lyle Lovett's ability to evoke a sense of place is unparalleled in "L.A. County." The song brims with the essence of the Wild West, transporting us to wide-open plains, dusty desert roads, and saloons filled with lost souls. By emphasizing the Western and Texan influences, Lovett skillfully distinguishes this song from the traditional Southern country sound that permeates much of the genre. In doing so, he pays homage to the greats like Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, and Hank Williams, who have left an indelible mark on the Western genre.

One of the most intriguing aspects of "L.A. County" is the stark contrast between its lyrics and its upbeat melody. Lovett marries a lighthearted, toe-tapping rhythm with a lyrical structure that delves into dark and disturbing subject matter. This juxtaposition creates a fascinating dynamic that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, simultaneously drawn to the catchy melody and unnerved by the harrowing story being told.

The chorus of the song provides brief respites from the intense storytelling, as Lovett allows us to bask in the beauty of Los Angeles County's night sky. It's a clever ploy that softens the blow of the dark narrative, offering a glimmer of respite amidst the turmoil. Lovett's storytelling prowess shines through as he seamlessly weaves together elements of light and dark, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the listener.

About L.A. County

L.A. County stands as a testament to Lyle Lovett's ability to craft compelling narratives and his talent for transporting listeners to vividly imagined worlds. With its roots firmly planted in Western balladry, the song brings to life a tale of love, betrayal, and the devastating consequences that unfold in the unforgiving landscape of Los Angeles County.

The song's success lies in Lovett's ability to channel the spirit of Western legends such as Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash, carrying the torch of this storied genre into the modern era. Evoking the same sense of wonder, passion, and darkness found in classics like "El Paso," Lovett enthralls us with his masterful storytelling, effortlessly captivating our attention through every twist and turn of the narrative.

The juxtaposition of the song's lyrics and melody creates a captivating tension that sets L.A. County apart from the crowd. The pulsating rhythm and infectious melody draw us in, beckoning us to tap our feet and sing along. But as we immerse ourselves in the music, we find ourselves face to face with a narrative that exposes the dark underbelly of love and the lengths one can go to protect their own fragile hearts.

Lyle Lovett's ability to paint a vivid picture with his words is showcased brilliantly in L.A. County. The song's imagery transports us to the desolate landscapes of the Wild West, where passion and despair collide. We can feel the grit of the dust beneath our boots, hear the echoes of gunshots in the distance, and taste the bitterness of unrequited love. Through skillful storytelling, Lovett immerses us in a world that is both familiar and hauntingly mysterious.

In essence, L.A. County by Lyle Lovett is a treasure trove of storytelling mastery. It combines the allure of Western ballads with a catchy melody to create a song that resonates deeply with listeners. With its dark narrative, captivating imagery, and unforgettable melodies, L.A. County proves once again that Lyle Lovett is a true maestro of storytelling in the realm of music.

• Release Date: 1987
• Artist: Emmylou Harris