Jesus in LA by Alec Benjamin

Album: These Two Windows (2019)

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Songfacts®:

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Alec Benjamin moved to Los Angeles in his teens hoping to find stardom and happiness. It all started well; he got a record deal in his first year there, but then got dropped by his label. After spending all his money and losing his friends, Benjamin realized he was living a lonely and shallow life and moved back home with his parents. This song recounts his classic Hollywood experience of moving out to California only to find the important things in life were things he already had.

When they sold you the dream you were just sixteen
Packed a bag and ran away
And it's a crying shame you came all this way
Cause you won't find Jesus in LA

Benjamin explained on Instagram that it was only when he moved back in with his parents that he "realized the thing that I was looking for most was in front of me the whole time. My true friends and family. Even at my lowest point, being back home with my family is what made me truly happy."

The singer added the song isn't about Jesus or religion. "It's about searching for hope and happiness and realizing those things aren't always where you think you'll find them," he said.

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