In the San Fernando Valley - a suburban part of L.A. where I was raised and still reside - there is a dividing line between the haves and the have nots: Ventura Boulevard. Those who live south of the boulevard tend to be wealthier, while those of us on the north side are more working class. This song is inspired by people I've met throughout the years from the south side.
lyrics
Saw you the other day at the Gelson’s Encino
Sneering at me through the froth of your cappuccino
Sat there bragging to me all about your new Tesla
You never asked about me, it’s OK, ‘cause guess what?
I knew I already lost ya
When I drove up in my Mazda
I know the house that I live in
Could fit inside of your kitchen
You think I live in a junkyard
‘Cause I live north of the boulevard
Where we’re all paupers and peasants
And undeserving of your presence
The starfucker zillionaire
Who lives south of fucking nowhere
Gave me the book that you wrote about self-promotion
On that subject, you’ve always been second to no one
Studied the backflap photo of you in your gazebo
And wondered how someone with so little talent could have so much ego
And I was thrilled when I lost ya
As I took off in my Mazda
Back to the house that I live in
Far from your life that’s so bitchin’
Played with my dog in the front yard
Somewhere north of the boulevard
I’d rather die in obsolescence
Than ever have to share the presence
Of a starfucker zillionaire
Who’s heading south of fucking nowhere.
Released in 2001, “The Convincer” is a gentle gem in the Nick Lowe catalog; an anniversary edition provides opportunity for rediscovery. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 20, 2021
Avi Buffalo had a hand in producing this cassette of Lowpines' serene, self-described "Lo-fi-Anglo-Americana pop songs." Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 28, 2016