Greenberg made his television debut with a guest appearance on Law & Order and made his big screen debut the following year in A Civil Action, starring John Travolta. In 2000, Greenberg's career began to heat up with guest appearances on “The Sopranos”, “Third Watch”, and “Boston Public”. In 2002, Bryan landed a role as a teenager in the big budget feature, The Perfect Score, co-starring alongside Scarlett Johansson. Bryan then received a recurring role as Jake on the WB series One Tree Hill.
Bryan starred in the ABC drama, “October Road”, HBO’s George Clooney produced “Unscripted” and has had been featured in recent movies releases, including Nobel Son starring alongside Alan Rickman and Bride Wars, starring alongside Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. Currently, Bryan stars the new HBO Series “How to Make It In America” from the creative team behind “Entourage”. The series was recently picked-up for a second season.
In addition to acting Bryan has also spent the past years pursing his other passion, music. Since 2003 Bryan has toured all over the country with various musicians, including Gravin DeGraw, Tyler Hilton, Graham Colton, Michael Tolcher, Ari Hest and many more.
In 2007, Greenberg released his debut album, Waiting For Now, and single "Hmm". Many of Bryan’s songs have been featured in his film projects, including placement in “One Tree Hill”, “October Road” and "Nobel Son". Bryan recently completed work on his second record, We Don’t Have Forever, which is scheduled for release in January of 2011 and features a collaboration with "How to Make It In America" co-star, Kid Cudi.
california dream
Bryan Greenberg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
of the sad screen
All she wants to be is the next Norman Gene
She came from Arkansas
walked the Boulevard
She wants it all but not everyone is a star
still holding on to that hollywood song
don't know the words but we all sing along
You won't give it up and it's never enough.
No it's never enough.
Spotlights, headlights, give me the real thing.
Spotlights, headlights, give me the real things.
California Dreams
from such a small town
all the prom queens and all the class clowns
Still holding on to that Hollywood song
We don't know the words but we all sing along
Fame is a drug, it won't give you love
You won't give it up and it's never enough
No it's never enough
Spotlights, headlights, give me the real thing
Spotlights, headlights, give me the real thing
Late nights, bright lights, give me the real thing
New heights, so bright, just give me the real thing
Give me the real thing
Just give me the real thing
Bryan Greenberg's song "California Dream" is a contemplation on the seductive appeal of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. The "sad screen" in the opening line references the film and television industry that draws people in with the promise of fame and fortune, but often leaves them feeling disillusioned and unfulfilled. The singer of the song is a young woman from Arkansas who has come to Los Angeles to be the next Norma Jean, the real name of Marilyn Monroe. She wants to be a star, but the reality is that not everyone can achieve that level of success.
The song touches on the idea that fame is a drug, an addiction that can never be fully satisfied. The lines "Fame is a drug, it won't give you love / You won't give it up and it's never enough" illustrate this point. The allure of the spotlight is powerful, but it can never replace true human connection or fulfillment.
Throughout the song, the chorus repeats the phrase "Spotlights, headlights, give me the real thing," suggesting that the singer is searching for something authentic and genuine in an industry that often prioritizes superficiality and image over substance.
Overall, "California Dream" is a thoughtful examination of the promises and pitfalls of the entertainment industry, told from the perspective of someone who recognizes the lure but ultimately seeks something more meaningful and fulfilling.
Line by Line Meaning
California Dream
The idea of chasing something elusive and glamorous in California
of the sad screen
Referencing the infamy of Hollywood and the negativity that can come from it
All she wants to be is the next Norman Gene
Describing the desire to follow in the footsteps of a famous person in the film industry
She came from Arkansas
Highlighting that the person in question originates from a small town
walked the Boulevard
A reference to Hollywood Blvd, known for its Walk of Fame and the location of many film studios
She wants it all but not everyone is a star
Acknowledging that not everyone who comes to Hollywood can be successful in achieving their dreams
still holding on to that hollywood song
Continuing the reference to the allure of Hollywood and its impact on people
don't know the words but we all sing along
Despite not knowing what to expect, the quest for success is something that many people chase
Fame is a drug, it won't give you love.
Playing on the idea that people believe success (fame) can fill a void and bring happiness, but in reality it cannot
You won't give it up and it's never enough.
Despite the disappointment that may come with unfulfilled dreams, people are still determined to chase success and fame
No it's never enough.
Further emphasizing that success and fame will never fully satisfy a person
Spotlights, headlights, give me the real thing.
Asking for authenticity in the pursuit of success and acknowledging the artificiality that can come with fame
California Dreams
Reiterating the idea of chasing success and stardom in California
from such a small town
Emphasizing the perceived unlikelihood of someone from a small town achieving success in Hollywood
all the prom queens and all the class clowns
Referencing the different types of people who may chase success in Hollywood
Late nights, bright lights, give me the real thing
Describing the sacrifices and experiences that may come with chasing success in Hollywood, and again asking for authenticity
New heights, so bright, just give me the real thing
Continuing the emphasis on the excitement of chasing success, while still seeking authenticity
Give me the real thing
A final plea for authenticity and genuine experiences in the pursuit of success
Contributed by Gianna V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.