"LA Song", subtitled "LA Song (Out of This Town)" on the single release, is a song by American singer-songwriter Beth Hart, released as a single from her second album Screamin' for My Supper on September 28, 1999. While it only made #88 on the Billboard Hot 100, it was an Adult Contemporary top 5 hit and reached #1 in New Zealand.
This song could be a reference to suicide: "She's got a gun, she's got a gun / She got a gun she call the 'lucky one.' / She left a note out by the phone / 'Don't leave a message 'cause this ain't no home.'" An alternate radio edit of the song without the lyric exists, with the following explanation by the artist: "To the radio community: The enclosed CD contains two versions of "LA Song" the first single from my new album, Screamin' for My Supper. The original version of the song includes a line where, in the midst of a dark period in my life, I talk about having a gun. I wrote this song before the recent tragic shootings that have so shaken this country. In light of these horrible events, and especially out of respect for those who have been deeply affected by them, I have chosen to record an alternate version with a new lyric which remains true to the essence of the song. Ultimately "LA Song" is about emerging from depression and self-doubt to the realization that who you are isn't about where you are or what's around you but that "THE GOOD LIFE LIES WITHIN." I don't want one particular lyric to prevent the song's positive message from reaching as many listeners as possible. As an Artist, I have the responsibility to not compromise my work. As a radio programmer, you have the responsibility to decide what's most appropriate for your audience. Thanks for listening! Love, Beth" Despite this, some radio stations, such as Cities 97, play the song with the original lyric.
Like a song I hope to sing
I sing it for you
Like the words I have to bring
I bring it for you
And in leather, lace, and chains
We stake our claim
Revolution once again
No I won't
I won't wear it on my sleeve
I can see through this expression
And you know I don't believe
Too old to be told
Exactly who are you
Tonight
Tomorrow's
To late
And we love to wear a badge, a uniform
And we love to fly a flag
But I won't, let others live in Hell
As we divide against each other
And we fight amongst ourselves
Too set in out ways to try to rearrange
Too right to be wrong
In this rebel song
Let the bells ring out
Let the bells ring out
Is there nothing left?
Is there, is there nothing?
Is there nothing left?
Is honesty what you want?
A generation without name
Ripped and torn
Nothing to lose, nothing to gain
Nothing at all
And if you can't help yourself
Well take a look around you
When others need your time
You say it's time to go, it's your time
Angry words won't stop the fight
Two wrongs won't make it right
A new heart is what I need
Oh God, make it bleed