The song "65 Days In L.A." by Cody Jinks tells the story of a southern-born man who travels to Los Angeles (L.A.) in search of something, only to find himself disillusioned and longing to leave after spending 65 days in the city. In the lyrics, the protagonist spends his time in L.A. drinking excessively and observing the chaos and superficiality of the city. He mentions wanting a gun in his hand, which could represent his desire for protection or a sense of empowerment in a place that he perceives as dangerous or morally compromised. Despite being from the South, the protagonist does not claim superiority over anyone and acknowledges that he is not perfect himself. He comments on the underwhelming California summer heat, suggesting that his experiences in L.A. were not as exciting or fulfilling as he had hoped. As the song progresses, the protagonist expresses his disappointment and frustration with his time in L.A. He mentions traveling with others who had similar hopes and dreams, but ultimately, they all feel lost and realize their plans have gone awry. The plans to head west are not working out as expected, and they can't ignore the costs and drawbacks of their journey. By the time the protagonist reaches Arizona, he decides that he has had enough of L.A. and its disappointments. He reflects on how he was trying to find himself but struggled to do so amidst the issues plaguing the city. Being a "runnin' man," someone who is always seeking freedom and new experiences, he realizes that L.A. is not the place for him. The protagonist encounters both good people and struggles while in L.A., but ultimately, the negative aspects outweigh the positives. He encounters homelessness (bums on the sidewalk) and feels a sense of relief when he finally leaves the city behind. The song captures the protagonist's decision to leave L.A., pack up his belongings, and return to his girlfriend and his home. He values his freedom and the ability to be anywhere, but he realizes that spending 65 days in L.A. was more than enough for him. Overall, "65 Days In L.A." explores themes of disillusionment, the search for identity, and the realization that sometimes the places we dream of may not live up to our expectations. The song serves as a personal reflection on the protagonist's experiences in L.A. and his decision to leave and find solace elsewhere.
