Hollywood

Album: Goon (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Tobias Jesso Jr. spent four years in Los Angeles playing bass and writing songs without much success, before moving back to his home in North Vancouver. He started playing a piano in his spare time at the age of 27 while working for a moving company.

    This semi-autobiographical ballad written on his new instrument finds Jesso recalling his life as a struggling bassist and songwriter in Los Angeles. "I was in L.A. and I was just walking around like a regular guy. I was trying to be a songwriter; I really was, you know?" he told Stereogum. "I just don't think I was going about it the right way. And then when I went home, I started working for my best friend's moving company, and then I was like, 'OK, I'll figure it out here. I'll be a mover or something.' And then it was within a week or two that I started writing on piano."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Song Titles That Inspired Movies

Song Titles That Inspired MoviesSong Writing

Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.