The song "How Much Is It Worth to Live in L.A." by Waylon Jennings explores the lifestyle and allure of Los Angeles. It reflects on the fame, money, and superficiality associated with the city, as well as the eccentricities and peculiarities of the people who live there. The lyrics suggest that living in L.A. comes at a cost. The land of "silk and money" is a reference to the glamour and wealth that abound in Hollywood. However, it also implies that this lifestyle is accompanied by insanity and a high price tag. The phrase "itemize insanity" implies that the city's inhabitants pay a price for the craziness that prevails in their lives. The song doesn't explicitly criticize or judge the people of L.A., but it acknowledges the eccentricity and the "weirding out" that occurs in Hollywood. Waylon Jennings, as the narrator, is stating that he understands the craziness since he knows a thing or two about it himself. He suggests that if faced with the same circumstances, he would leave and not choose to live in L.A. The song also touches on the dangers and uncertainties of living in L.A. The references to the busy freeways, people dodging bullets, and the anticipation of an impending earthquake portray the city as a place filled with risks and constant tension. The line "Ain't nobody living there, it's all a state of mind" implies that despite its physical presence, L.A. is more of a symbolic concept than an actual place. Overall, "How Much Is It Worth to Live in L.A." questions the true value and worth of living in a city where materialism, eccentricity, and unpredictability dominate. It explores the idea that the desirability of L.A. comes at a steep price, both in terms of mental well-being and personal safety.
