Santa Monica
Darren Hayes / Savage Garden Lyrics
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The lazy streets so undemanding
I walk into the crowd
In Santa Monica you get your coffee from
The coolest places on the promenade
Where people dress just so
Beauty so unavoidable
Everywhere you turn
I sit and wonder what am I doing here?
But on the telephone line I am anyone
I am anything I want to be
I could be a supermodel or Norman Mailer
And you wouldn't know the difference
Or would you?
In Santa Monica, all the people got
Modern names
Like Jake or Mandy
And modern bodies too
In Santa Monica, on the boulevard,
You'll have to dodge those in-line skaters
Or they'll knock you down
I never felt so lonely,
Never felt so out of place
I never wanted something more than this
But on the telephone line I am anyone
I am anything I want to be
I could be a supermodel or Norman Mailer
And you wouldn't know the difference
On the telephone line, I am any height
I am any age I want to be
I could be a caped crusader, or
Space invader
And you would know the difference
Or would you?
The song "Santa Monica" by Darren Hayes/Savage Garden is a melancholic reflection on wandering the streets of Santa Monica in the winter time, feeling out of place and alone, but finding solace in the anonymity offered by the telephone line. The first verse sets the scene of a laid-back, effortless atmosphere that reigns over the lazy streets of Santa Monica, contrasting with the second verse, where the people and their lifestyles are presented as modern and at odds with the singer's sense of self. They feel lonely and disconnected, wondering what brought them there, but on the telephone line, they find freedom, being whoever they want to be, whether it's a supermodel or a famous author like Norman Mailer. The song's chorus reiterates this sentiment, reinforcing the idea that over the phone, the singer can escape their current state and embrace any identity of their choosing.
The song's lyrics suggest that Santa Monica represents a lifestyle and a culture that is different from who the singer is, and they feel a sense of displacement when they are surrounded by it. The diversity of identities and appearances on the telephone line allows the singer to escape their sense of disconnection from their environment and to embrace the possibility of being anyone they want to be. The song's themes of identity, belonging, and escape are all complemented by the melancholic melody, which creates a sense of longing that permeates throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
In Santa Monica in the winter time
During the winter months in Santa Monica, Darren Hayes observes the city's streets which are relaxed and low-pressure.
The lazy streets so undemanding
The slow-moving, peaceful streets of Santa Monica are appealing and require minimal effort to navigate.
I walk into the crowd
Darren joins the crowd, yet still feels like a loner in the midst of it all.
In Santa Monica you get your coffee from
The coolest places on the promenade
Where people dress just so
The promenade is the perfect setting for a morning coffee as it is the place where the stylish and trendy people of Santa Monica gather.
Beauty so unavoidable
Everywhere you turn
It's there
The beauty of Santa Monica is inescapable and always present, no matter where you go.
I sit and wonder what am I doing here?
Despite the allure of Santa Monica, Darren feels out of place and questions why he is there.
But on the telephone line I am anyone
I am anything I want to be
I could be a supermodel or Norman Mailer
And you wouldn't know the difference
Or would you?
Being on the phone offers Darren the freedom to create and identify with any identity he wants, whether it be a famous author or a successful model. He ponders whether others would be able to discern his true identity over the phone.
In Santa Monica, all the people got
Modern names
Like Jake or Mandy
And modern bodies too
The residents of Santa Monica tend to have modern, trendy names and take care of their appearance as well.
In Santa Monica, on the boulevard,
You'll have to dodge those in-line skaters
Or they'll knock you down
The boulevard in Santa Monica is full of in-line skaters, and it can be a challenge to avoid them.
I never felt so lonely,
Never felt so out of place
I never wanted something more than this
Despite the beauty of Santa Monica, Darren feels an intense sense of loneliness and disconnection. He knows it is where he wants to be but feels unsure of how to belong.
On the telephone line, I am any height
I am any age I want to be
I could be a caped crusader, or
Space invader
And you would know the difference
Or would you?
The anonymity of the telephone provides an opportunity for Darren to become anyone or anything, with no limitations on age or identity. He questions whether the person on the other end of the line would recognize his true identity.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DANIEL JONES, DARREN HAYES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind