by Alex Wilson
Album
Red Dirt in the City of Angels
Year
2025
Genre
Country/Americana/Folk Pop/Comedy
Duration
3:45
Description
A tongue-in-cheek country-infused Americana tune about a fish-out-of-water experience. A red-dirt drifter from the South finds himself transplanted to the land of kale smoothies and spiritual awakenings in Los Angeles. The song celebrates the absurdity and unexpected charm of this culture clash, blending down-home sensibilities with West Coast quirkiness. It's a humorous observation of LA's unique blend of health trends, celebrity culture, and laid-back vibes, all seen through the eyes of a bewildered but ultimately charmed outsider. Expect twangy vocals, banjo rolls, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.
Lyrics
Verse 1 I’m a red dirt drifter, boots scarred from the clay, Dropped in this jungle they call LA. Oat milk in my coffee? That ain’t milk, I reckon, Oats don’t got nipples, y’all messin’ with my head, son. Pre-Chorus Kombucha flights and candles with a prayer, Farmers market’s a circus, patchouli in the air. Chorus Wild LA, where the kale’s got a soul, I’m a fish outta water, but I’m keepin’ my roll. From raw almond jerky to goats in a sweater, I’m laughin’ through the madness, this heart’s gettin’ better. Grounded in the holler, but I’m ridin’ this wave, Singin’ my truth in the heart of Wild LA! Verse 2 Celery smoothies run eleven bucks a pop, Mushrooms get a massage ‘fore they hit the shop. Man bun’s pluckin’ banjo, bought it off the ‘net, But them bruised-up apples? That’s the realest I’ve met. Pre-Chorus Charcoal lavender brew, moonlight in a glass, I’m dodgin’ astral vibes, holdin’ onto my sass. Chorus Wild LA, where the kale’s got a soul, I’m a fish outta water, but I’m keepin’ my roll. From raw almond jerky to goats in a sweater, I’m laughin’ through the madness, this heart’s gettin’ better. Grounded in the holler, but I’m ridin’ this wave, Singin’ my truth in the heart of Wild LA! Bridge Met a goat named Harold, sportin’ knitwear fine, Chewin’ like a sage, got me losin’ my mind. I see wheezin’ laughter, they say I’m too much sense, But this crazy town’s spark’s breakin’ down my defense. Now I see the beauty, in the strange and new, Maybe this red dirt can find a bit of zen too. Chorus Wild LA, where the kale’s got a soul, I’m a fish outta water, but I’m keepin’ my roll. From raw almond jerky to goats in a sweater, I’m laughin’ through the madness, this heart’s gettin’ better. Grounded in the holler, but I’m ridin’ this wave, Singin’ my truth in the heart of Wild LA! Outro (Fiddle rips, upbeat strum) Wild LA, with Harold’s sweater in view, This red dirt boy’s found a home in the zoo. Wild LA, oh Wild LA, yeah, This red dirt boy is here to stay!
Notes
Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar (steel-string and possibly a resonator for texture), banjo, upright bass (or electric bass with a warm, thumpy tone), drums (simple but solid backbeat, brushes on the snare in the quieter sections), fiddle/violin (prominent in the intro, outro, and possibly solos). Pedal steel guitar could add a nice touch for a more authentic country feel. Tempo: Medium tempo, around 120 BPM, with a slight push and pull for a more organic feel. Key: G Major. Arrangement: Start with acoustic guitar and fiddle intro. Add banjo and bass for the verse. Drums enter at the pre-chorus. Build intensity through each chorus. Bridge could have a slight dynamic drop to emphasize the shift in perspective. Performance: Vocals should be delivered with a mix of sincerity and humor. Emphasize the twang but avoid sounding like a caricature. The fiddle and banjo parts should be lively and energetic, showcasing virtuosity but staying true to the song's lighthearted feel. The outro fiddle solo should be a real barn-burner, leaving the listener with a smile. Consider adding a backing vocal harmony to the choruses for a fuller sound. The banjo can drop out for parts and then come back in to accentuate certain parts.