The song focuses on a person who embodies the idea of the LA archetype—one who is all-consumed by materialism but who also personifies the glitz, glamour and fantasy-like quality of living there. Brendon talked about the song in an iHeartRadio interview:
“LA Devotee” is a love letter to Los Angeles. I’ve lived here now for just over seven years, coming up on eight years, and it’s my new home. I’m from here to Vegas quite a bit, but I found a new, deeper appreciation for the city. The things I sing about in that song, the black magic of Mulholland Drive, swimming pools under desert skies, it’s all the things I picture about LA that I really fell in love with that took me time to appreciate, and that was really what I wanted to talk about.
Similar to Billy Joel’s 1983 classic “Uptown Girl,” this song dissects, criticizes, but also marvels at the allure of a wealthy lifestyle.
On September 22, 2016, the official music video for the song (which features Noah Schnapp) was released on Fueled By Ramen’s YouTube channel.
When asked about the process of the casting of the music video with Coup de Main, Urie explained:
"The director Brendan Walter were talking ideas and I was just stuck. I was like, ‘I don’t really know what to do? I don’t want to copy the lyrics literally , I don’t want to do a literal video, so let’s figure out ideas.’ And Brendan Walter came back to me with, ‘Hey, what about a cult?’ I was like, ‘Fuck yeah! I love that!’ I love any religious imagery just from growing up that way. And then the next day I think, we got an email from Noah Schnapp and his people with, ‘Hey, I’ve been a fan of Panic’s for a little bit, I would love to do something in the future if you’ve got anything.’ So we e-mailed him immediately. ‘Hey man, we’re doing a video if you wanna do it for the song?’ He was like, ‘Cool, I love that song, let’s do it!’ He was really cool, one of the most talented people I’ve ever worked with, so it was really nice to be a part of it – and just being a fan of his and ‘Stranger Things’ in general! What a special thing to have!"
LA Devotee
Panic! at the Disco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And a black car that matches your blackest soul
I wouldn't change ya, oh
Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no
Oh, the neon coast was your sign
And the Midwest wind with Pisces rising
Wouldn't change ya, oh
Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no
Static palms melt your vibe
Midnight whisperings
The black magic of Mulholland Drive
Swimming pools under desert skies
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Just another LA devotee
Sunsets on the evil eye
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
Always on the hunt for a little more time
Just another LA devotee
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another LA devotee
You got bleached out eyes from the valley sand
And a black tar palms keep weeping your name
I couldn't change ya, oh
Couldn't ever try to make you see, no
The high rise lights that read your rights
And a downtown storm with Aries rising
Couldn't change ya, oh
Couldn't ever try to make you see, no
Static palms melt your vibe
Midnight whisperings
The black magic on Mulholland Drive
Swimming pools under desert skies
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Just another LA devotee
Sunsets on the evil eye
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
Always on the hunt for a little more time
Just another LA devotee
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another LA devotee
La Devotee
La Devotee
La Devotee
La Devotee
The black magic on Mulholland Drive
Swimming pools under desert skies
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Just another LA devotee
Sunsets on the evil eye
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
Always on the hunt for a little more time
Just another LA devotee
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another LA devotee
The song “LA Devotee” by Panic! at the Disco is rich in its intricate and metaphorical lyrics. The song tells a story about a person who is deeply in love with the city of Los Angeles (LA) and all its various aspects. In the opening verse, the singer talks about the physical bruises that the person has accumulated by "loving too hard," that shows the intensity of their connection to LA. The singer also admires the person’s trait of not being influenced by anyone else to leave the city.
As the song progresses, it continues to glorify the charm of LA. The reference to "neon coast" and "swimming pools under desert skies," paint a vivid picture of the city's appeal. The phrase "Static palms melt your vibe" shows a contradiction and is a metaphor for the friction between change and familiarity, highlighting the inevitability of change in LA. The reference to "mulholland drive" represents the entrance to the city from the west and the nightlife that city offers. The reference to “bleached out eyes from the valley sand” illustrates how people are shaped and changed by the environment they are in.
Overall, the song “LA Devotee” encapsulates the charming yet challenging essence of the city of LA, and how people who are enthralled by it are willing to withstand the difficulties and challenges in chasing their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
You got two black eyes from lovin' too hard
You have visible bruises from loving someone with an intensity that caused harm to yourself.
And a black car that matches your blackest soul
You own a car that fits your dark and depressing personality.
I wouldn't change ya, oh
I accept you for who you are, without wishing to change you.
Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no
I won't ever attempt to push you away.
Oh, the neon coast was your sign
The bright and dynamic shoreline was your calling sign.
And the Midwest wind with Pisces rising
The Midwest's wind was blowing with the astrological sign Pisces rising.
Static palms melt your vibe
The stillness of your hands gives off an uncomfortable energy.
Midnight whisperings
Conversations or noises heard during the late hours of the night.
The black magic of Mulholland Drive
There's an inexplicable and mystical energy emanating from Mulholland Drive.
Swimming pools under desert skies
Pools of water reflecting the clearness of the desert sky.
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Savoring white wine under a soft, delicate glow.
Just another LA devotee
One of many obsessed with the City of Angels.
Sunsets on the evil eye
The infamous evil eye is visible during the setting sun.
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
The Hollywood symbols remain undetected to the naked eye.
Always on the hunt for a little more time
We are always seeking a few more moments/minutes/hours.
Just another, just another, uh oh
Another individual has become excessively enamored with Los Angeles.
La Devotee
A person who is devoted to Los Angeles, regardless of the consequences.
You got bleached out eyes from the valley sand
Your eyes have been stripped of their color due to the sand in the valley.
And a black tar palms keep weeping your name
Black tar, sticky like palm tree sap, keeps reminding you of something or someone.
Couldn't ever try to make you see, no
I shouldn't bother trying to explain something to you.
The high rise lights that read your rights
The colorful lights of the tall buildings suggest that you have the power to do whatever you want.
And a downtown storm with Aries rising
A downtown storm has hit during Aries season, representing a dramatic time in the city.
Just another LA devotee
Simply one of the many who are enthralled with Los Angeles.
La Devotee
A person who refuses to let go of their fascination with Los Angeles.
La Devotee
Someone who is dedicated to Los Angeles wholeheartedly.
La Devotee
An individual's unwavering devotion to Los Angeles, no matter what.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jacob S. Sinclair, Brendon Boyd Urie, Morgan Grace Kibby
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@luckygalxy7602
Lyrics: because why not
You got two black eyes from lovin' too hard
And a black car that matches your blackest soul
I wouldn't change ya, oh
Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no
Oh, the neon coast was your sign
And the Midwest wind with Pisces rising
Wouldn't change ya, oh
Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no
Static palms melt your vibe
Midnight whisperings
The black magic of Mulholland Drive
Swimming pools under desert skies
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Just another LA devotee
Sunsets on the evil eye
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
Always on the hunt for a little more time
Just another LA devotee
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another LA devotee
You got bleached out eyes from the valley sand
And a black tar palms keep weeping your name
I couldn't change ya, oh
Couldn't ever try to make you see, no
The high rise lights that read your rights
And a downtown storm with Aries rising
Couldn't change ya, oh
Couldn't ever try to make you see, no
Static palms melt your vibe
Midnight whisperings
The black magic on Mulholland Drive
Swimming pools under desert skies
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Just another LA devotee
Sunsets on the evil eye
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
Always on the hunt for a little more time
Just another LA devotee
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another LA devotee
La Devotee
La Devotee
La Devotee
La Devotee
The black magic on Mulholland Drive
Swimming pools under desert skies
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Just another LA devotee
Sunsets on the evil eye
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
Always on the hunt for a little more time
Just another LA devotee
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another LA devotee
@marcusfarellcatodelossanto7095
LYRICS:
You got two black eyes from loving too hard
And a black car that matches your blackest soul
I wouldn't change ya, oh oh
Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no
The neon coast was your sign
And the Midwest wind with Pisces rising
Wouldn't change ya, oh oh
Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no
Static palms melt your vibe
Midnight whisperings
The black magic of Mulholland Drive
Swimming pools under desert skies
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Just another LA Devotee
Sunsets on the evil eye
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
Always on the hunt for a little more time
Just another LA Devotee
You got bleached out eyes from the valley sand
And the black tar palms keep weeping your name
I couldn't change ya, oh oh
Couldn't ever try to make you see, no
The high rise lights read your rights
And a downtown storm with Aries rising
Couldn't change ya, oh oh
Couldn't ever try to make you see, no
Static palms melt your vibe
Midnight whisperings
The black magic of Mulholland Drive
Swimming pools under desert skies
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Just another LA Devotee
Sunsets on the evil eye
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
Always on the hunt for a little more time
Just another LA Devotee
Please like this comment and check replys
@vocalite7118
You got two black eyes from loving too hard
And a black car that matches your blackest soul
I wouldn't change ya, oh
Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no
Oh, the neon coast was your sign
And the Midwest wind with Pisces rising
I wouldn't change ya, oh
Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no
Static palms melt your vibe
Midnight whisperings
The black magic of Mulholland Drive
Swimming pools under desert skies
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Just another LA Devotee
Sunsets on the evil eye
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
Always on the hunt for a little more time
Just another LA Devotee
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another LA Devotee
You got bleached out eyes from the valley sand
And a black tar palms keep weeping your name
I couldn't change ya, oh
Couldn't ever try to make you see, no
The high rise lights read your rights
And a downtown storm with Aries rising
I couldn't change ya, oh
Couldn't ever try to make you see, no
Static palms melt your vibe
Midnight whisperings
The black magic on Mulholland Drive
Swimming pools under desert skies
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Just another LA Devotee
Sunsets on the evil eye
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
Always on the hunt for a little more time
Just another LA Devotee
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another LA Devotee
LA Devotee
LA Devotee
LA Devotee
LA Devotee
The black magic on Mulholland Drive
Swimming pools under desert skies
Drinking white wine in the blushing light
Just another LA Devotee
Sunsets on the evil eye
Invisible to the Hollywood shrine
Always on the hunt for a little more time
Just another LA Devotee
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another, just another, uh oh
Just another LA Devotee
@ronweasly3131
It's getting harder and harder to convince my parents that the music I listen to is not satanic
@barbie6894
AGREED
@batmanz3286
same✌😂
@introvert5610
i just say that there warning us about satanic stuff
@layne4054
same
@babyyakuza2882
eyyy hinata
@trashpanda1990
Producer: “So how much satanism would you like to include?”
Brendon: “Yes.”
@afsheensuleman5016
Also bring along the kid that at one point, had faced a something called a mind flayer. Tho, you have to admit it, if I would need a kid being possessed or tortured in a movie, Noah would be perfect.
@aaredx
well it seems fair i mean he IS satan
@emmahenderson3803
I’m only commenting because I don’t wanna change the likes from 666