To Live and Die in L.A.

Wang Chung

About To Live and Die in L.A.

"To Live and Die in L. A." is a single from the soundtrack of the same name by Wang Chung. Released in September 1985, the song peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at #41. On the To Live and Die in L. A. DVD audio commentary, director William Friedkin stated to Wang Chung that he “didn't want a theme song for To Live and Die in L. A.” One day, though, Jack Hues and Nick Feldman gave Friedkin a copy of "To Live and Die in L. A." (to his dismay). Surprisingly, Friedkin was impressed and decided to keep the song as part of the film and soundtrack.  


Year:
1997
4:52
553 

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In the heat of the day
Every time you go away
I have to piece my life together
Every time you're away
In the heat of the day
In the dark of the night
Every time I turn the light
I feel that God is not in heaven
In the dark of the night
The dark of the night

I wonder why I live alone here
I wonder why we spend these nights together
Is this the room I'll live my life forever
I wonder why in LA
To live and die in LA

I wonder why we waste our lives here
When we could run away to paradise
But I am held in some invisible vice
And I can't get away
To live and die in LA

If I let myself go
And for where I just don't know
I'd maybe hit some cold new river
That led out to the sea
An unknown sea
I'd either swim or I'd drown
Or just keep falling down and down
I think its that, that makes me quiver
Just to keep falling down
Down, down, down

I wonder why I live alone here
I wonder why we spend these nights together
Is this the way I'll live my life forever
I wonder why in LA
To live and die in LA

In every word that you say
I feel my freedom slip away
I feel the bars come down around me
And I can't get away
I can't get away

I wonder why I live alone here
I wonder why we spend these nights together
Is this the room I'll live my life forever
I wonder why in LA
To live and die in LA
I wonder why we waste our lives here
When we could run away to paradise
But I am held in some invisible vice
And I can't get away
To live and die in LA

I can't get away
To live and die in LA
I can't get away
To live and die in LA
I can't get away
To live and die in LA
I can't get away
To live and die in LA

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Wang Chung

Wang Chung are an English New Wave musical group formed in 1980. The name Wang Chung means "Yellow Bell" in Chinese (黃鐘 -- "Huáng Zhōng" in Pinyin), and is the first note in the Chinese classical music scale. more »

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Written by: JACK HUES

Lyrics © Spirit Music Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Production Facts
"To Live and Die in L.A." was composed and performed by the British new wave band Wang Chung. - The single was released on the 1985 album of the same name.
Chart Performance Facts
The song reached number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. - It also reached number 44 on the UK Singles Chart.
Movie Connection Facts
The song was specifically made for William Friedkin's 1985 film "To Live and Die in L.A.", hence the same title for both song and film. - Wang Chung members Jack Hues and Nick Feldman also composed the rest of the film's soundtrack.
Composition Facts
Wang Chung used a unique blend of eighties synth-pop and cinematic rock to give the song its distinctive sound and feel.
Lyrics Facts
The lyrics are about the glamorous yet dangerous life of an undercover detective in Los Angeles, reflecting the plot of the movie for which it was written.
Current Popularity Facts
As of 2021, the music video of the song "To Live and Die in L.A." has around 2.7 million views on YouTube.
Band Facts
Wang Chung is often classified as a one-hit wonder due to the success of their single "Dance Hall Days," but they gained additional recognition and success with "To Live and Die in L.A."
Awards Facts
Despite its popularity, the song did not win any major awards.
Critical Response Facts
Critics have praised the song for its cinematic atmosphere and the emotional depth it brings to the movie's narrative.
Cover Version Facts
Several artists have covered "To Live and Die in L.A.," reflecting its lasting impact and popularity in pop culture.

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    To Live and Die in L.A.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1985

    Billboard #41


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