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Playing The Part
Jamey Johnson Lyrics


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Taking a dip on the Sunset Strip in the mornin'
Ain't nothing like the smell of tofu and high dollar wine
They said maybe all of them cars locking down the I-5
Yeah I find it amazing these rats I've been chasing
Are helping me remember a time

When the only LA I knew was lower Alabama
Back when me and Hannah was wishing on a southern star
Now its so complicated, I really hate it,
Why'd I ever want to go so far
Taking depression pills in the Hollywood Hills
Acting like I'm playing the part

All this gripping and grinning, losing and winning, and running
And promises break like an egg on the hot asphalt
What the hell was I thinking, drinking like I'd never get caught
These high dollar women, and the fame
And the fortune, ain't worth the ticket I bought

When the only LA I knew was lower Alabama
Back when me and Hannah was wishing on a southern star
Now its so complicated, I really hate it,
Why'd I ever want to go so far
Taking depression pills in the Hollywood Hills
Acting like I'm playing the part
Taking depression pills in the Hollywood Hills
Acting like I'm playing the part

Overall Meaning

In "Playing The Part" by Jamey Johnson, the singer describes his disillusionment with the Hollywood lifestyle. He begins by taking a dip on the Sunset Strip in the morning and reflecting on how different it is from his earlier experiences in Alabama. The song is noteworthy for the way it contrasts the singer's current life with his past. He talks about how complicated things are, how he hates it, and wonders why he ever wanted to go so far. He seems to be trapped in a cycle of acting and pretending, chasing after fame, fortune, and high dollar women, and ultimately feeling empty inside.


The line "taking depression pills in the Hollywood Hills, acting like I'm playing the part" is a poignant reflection on the dark side of the entertainment industry. The singer is struggling to deal with the pressures and insecurities that come with fame, and he turns to drugs to cope. The song highlights the way that many artists are forced to sacrifice their mental and emotional health in order to succeed in the entertainment industry.


Overall, "Playing The Part" is a somber reflection on the costs of fame and the realities of the Hollywood lifestyle. Johnson's lyrics are insightful and thought-provoking, inviting listeners to reflect on the ways that our culture idolizes fame and success at the expense of mental and emotional wellness.


Line by Line Meaning

Taking a dip on the Sunset Strip in the mornin'
Starting the day on Sunset Strip, taking a swim, and experiencing the quintessential LA morning.


Ain't nothing like the smell of tofu and high dollar wine
Noting the unique fragrances of LA: the vegetarian cuisine and expensive alcohol.


They said maybe all of them cars locking down the I-5
Commenting on the common occurrence of traffic jams on the highway and discussing how it's a part of LA's culture.


Yeah I find it amazing these rats I've been chasing / Are helping me remember a time
Reflecting on how chasing unfulfilling things in LA has led to reminiscing on simpler times.


When the only LA I knew was lower Alabama / Back when me and Hannah was wishing on a southern star
Recalling a time before LA, when life was simpler and spent wishing on stars with a loved one.


Now its so complicated, I really hate it, / Why'd I ever want to go so far
Expressing regret and disdain for the complicated nature of LA, and wondering why they ever wanted to move there in the first place.


Taking depression pills in the Hollywood Hills / Acting like I'm playing the part
Conveying the struggles and conflicts of living in LA; feeling like they have to put on a façade while struggling with mental health issues.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMEY JOHNSON, SHANE MINOR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Michael Morrison

Nothing that you know... 

I thought I would be home by now
Maybe cooking something good
Waiting on a dream I had
Nothing to be misunderstood
Love is such a funny thing
You've got to let it come and go
Love says everything
But nothing that you know...

M.S. Morrison



All comments from YouTube:

Frederick Frost

Jamey Johnson is very under rated. His band has the smooth southern guitar sound with soulful rhythms.-Frost

Colby Johnson

@None ii>iiii odds😁😁

JC Simmons

@None 1

henry22lr

And he is as good if not better live. Super talented

son of god😊

Correction jamey johnson the greatest

son of god😊

But alan jackson is the greatest

2 More Replies...

HuskyCOGtnt118

How do people dislike the classic country sound of Jamey Johnson

Ronnie Frutschi

Those who have 700 thumbs up their ass or own a Valero

Steve's Mixed Bag

People hate country because they don't hear music like this on country radio ...they hear the CRAP this is called country nowadays ...

sherme freeman

I'm guessing thkiinmkk

gokinh

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