The "classic lineup" of the group would reunite in 1999 and began recording new material. However, the group continued to change lineups and Guns eventually left to form the hard rock supergroup Brides of Destruction with Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe in 2002. L.A. Guns continued without Guns, bringing in guitarist Stacey Blades, however, following his decision to put Brides of Destruction on hiatus in 2006, Guns formed The Tracii Guns Band. The group's lineup consisted of former L.A. Guns members Black, Alexander as well as Jeremy Guns (though the lineup would eventually change), with the group eventually changing their name to L.A. Guns. Both groups continued to record and tour under the L.A. Guns moniker until 2012, when the Tracii Guns-led version of the group disbanded. Riley died in 2023.
L.A. Guns (feat. Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis) released a new single "Let You Down" on May 6, 2020. It was released as the first single from their then-upcoming fourteenth studio album Checkered Past, which was released on November 12, 2021, and featured producer Adam Hamilton on drums.
In May 2022, it was announced that Shawn Duncan had replaced Shane Fitzgibbon as their drummer. In the following month, guitarist Ace Von Johnson revealed that L.A. Guns had been working on new material for their next studio album. The resulting album, Black Diamonds, was released on April 14, 2023.
City of Angels
L.A. Guns Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From way up here I gaze in wonder
Children of night
I hear you rolling like thunder
I see the motion of a thousand restless souls before me
Cause I am lost
I can't control the actions of my gypsy heart
(I am not lost)
(I am not lost)
(I am not lost)
I was not born to be a slave
I cannot be a part of that
A new religion on my hands and knees for you
And baby looks alright
She says she's alright
My baby says she's getting through
Yeah, she feels alright
Cause I am lost
(I am not lost)
(I am not lost)
Lost in the City of Angels
(I am not lost)
We are like moths drawn to a flame
We are like moths drawn to a flame
You are our inspiration
**guitar solo**
City of lights
From way up here I gaze in wonder
Children of night
I hear you rolling like thunder
I see the motion of a thousand restless souls before me
I can't control the actions of my gypsy heart
The song "City of Angels" by L.A. Guns is an ode to the city of Los Angeles, commonly referred to as the City of Angels. The song speaks of the city's vibrancy, as seen from a high vantage point. The lights of the city are like a beacon, drawing people in like moths to a flame. The lyrics speak of the restlessness and freedom of the people in the city, living their lives as children of the night. The singer acknowledges that he is lost in the city of angels, unable to control the actions of his own gypsy heart.
Despite being lost, the singer feels like he was not born to be a slave and refuses to conform to societal norms. He speaks of a new religion that he is not willing to bow down to, indicating that he is a free thinker. The lyrics also mention a woman who is going through a tough time, but she tells him that she is alright. In the end, the guitarist takes over with a blistering guitar solo while the singer repeats the chorus.
Overall, "City of Angels" is a love letter to the vibrant and restless nature of the city of Los Angeles. The singer acknowledges his own personal turmoil but finds comfort in the fact that he is not alone in feeling lost in the city of angels.
Line by Line Meaning
City of lights
I am in awe of the brightness and energy of this city
From way up here I gaze in wonder
As I look down on this city from above, I feel a sense of amazement
Children of night
The people of this city are lively and energetic, particularly at night
I hear you rolling like thunder
The sounds of this city are powerful and intense, like the roar of thunder
I see the motion of a thousand restless souls before me
The people in this city are constantly moving, and I sense their restless energy
Cause I am lost
I feel unsure of my place in this city
I can't control the actions of my gypsy heart
My free-spirited nature is leading me in unpredictable directions
Lost in the City of Angels
I am having trouble finding my way in this city, but I am not truly lost
I was not born to be a slave
I refuse to be controlled or held back by anyone or anything
I cannot be a part of that
I will not conform to societal expectations or norms
A new religion on my hands and knees for you
I am devoted to my own individual beliefs and passions
And baby looks alright
My partner seems to be doing well despite the challenges of this city
She says she's alright
My partner assures me that she is doing well
My baby says she's getting through
My partner is managing to cope with the difficulties of living in this city
Yeah, she feels alright
My partner is doing okay
We are like moths drawn to a flame
We are irresistibly drawn to the excitement and energy of this city
You are our inspiration
This city inspires us with its vibrancy and creativity
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, RIVERTON ONE MUSIC
Written by: ADAM HAMILTON, PHIL LEWIS, STEVE RILEY, TRACII GUNS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind