"The River"

For the “California Dreamin’” writing assignment I decided to write my essay on Good Charlotte’s “The River.” I chose this particular song because I have always been interested in the Los Angeles River and its historical and cultural significance in the city. I also found Good Charlotte’s critique of the Los Angeles River as a source of “spiritual awakening” to be very controversial and relevant to the class discussion on the California Dream. In the song, Good Charlotte discusses being baptized in the Los Angeles River and how it submerges oneself into the myth and culture of the city. In the end of the song, the protagonist wishes to “find [the] way back home,” after realizing that California, particularly Los Angeles, was not the land he expected.

Los Angeles River

The River
By Good Charlotte

As I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of LA
The footsteps that were next to me
Have gone their separate ways
I've seen enough now
To know that beautiful things
Don't always stay that way
I've done enough now
To know this beautiful place
Isn't everything they say

I heard that evil comes disguised
Like a city of angels
I'm walking towards the light

Baptized in the river
I've seen a vision of my life
And I wanna be delivered
In the city was a sinner
I've done a lot of things wrong
But I swear I'm a believer
Like the prodigal son
I was out on my own
Now I'm trying to find my way back home
Baptized in the river
I'm delivered
I'm delivered

You're from a small town
You're gonna grow up fast
Underneath these lights
Down in Hollywood
On the boulevard
The dead come back to life

To the praying Mother
And the worried Father
Let your children go
If they come back
They'll come home stronger
And if they don't
You'll know

They sing that evil comes disguised
Like a city of angels
I'm walking towards the light

Baptized in the river
I've seen a vision of my life
And I wanna be delivered
In the city was a sinner
I've done a lot of things wrong
But I swear I'm a believer
Like the prodigal son
I was out on my own
Now I'm trying to find my way back home
Baptized in the river
I'm delivered
I'm delivered

Baptized in the river
Baptized in the river I wanna be delivered

Baptized in the river I wanna be delivered
Baptized in the river I wanna be delivered
Baptized in the river I wanna be delivered

I confess I'm a sinner
I've seen a vision of my life
And I wanna be delivered

A Single Promise

Having lived in California all my life, I have grown to view the California Dream as a single promise; a promise that, regardless of one’s ethnicity, income, or education, one will find happiness. This promise is manifested not only through the vibrant culture and people of the land, but also through the state’s historical fascination with wealth, a common form of “happiness.” In 1848, more than 300,000 people flooded the state, hoping to “get rich quick” and abuse the endless opportunities the state offered. To this day, millions of people make the same pilgrimage to come to this land in search of a “new wealth,” one characterized by education, fame, and art and personified through figures like Steve Jobs, George Lucas, and even Paris Hilton. From the sunny beaches of Malibu to the snow covered peaks of Tahoe City, California radiates with blissful comfort and abundant opportunities, making it a prime location for all people to start anew and live a “happier” lifestyle. It is this confidence in the California Dream that draws hopeful optimists to strive for the “perfect” life of success and luxury.

What makes the California Dream unique is its sheer simplicity, making it adaptable to almost every social circumstance. Even in today’s economic recession, California has remained committed to nurturing a land of opportunity and recreation for all its inhabitants. Hollywood is still buzzing with young talent and the beaches are as clear as ever.

Many people argue that the California Dream is just a game of “smoke-and-mirrors,” that the real California Dream died with the “Malibu Barbie” revolution and the newfound obsession with colossal wealth. What they don’t realize, however, is that these alterations are just a way to modernize and better the standards of the Dream. A culture stuck in the past is a culture that has no future.

Most importantly, what makes the California Dream so special is its ability to go beyond being just a promise. In each Californian’s life, in due time, the Dream becomes a reality. It becomes a new way of life, a distinct set of values, and a bright channel for success and happiness.

TEST POST

WRIT-140 is awesome.