Criticism of "Van Nuys"

“Van Nuys” performed by Sixx: A.M. is a song relating the struggle of Nikki Sixx, the bassist for this band and Motley Crüe, with heroin and cocaine. The album is entitled, The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, it’s a companion to Sixx’s biography that provides a look into his mind, when he was with Motley Crüe from Christmas of 1986 to 1987 when his drug addiction spiraled out of control. “Van Nuys” is the beginning; it outlines Sixx’s fear of dying out in the valley (line 1). It also expresses his views about the world and his concerns like: “I just want my dad to know/ That I finally made it,” (lines 3-4); and: “I don't want my mom to know/ That I never loved my life/And I sold my soul,” (lines 12-14).

“Van Nuys” can be interpreted in many ways. It can be directly applied to the writer, or it can be seen as a social critique, especially the chorus and the bridge. Lines 5-8 can be referencing the highs and lows of life and how life can beat you down and that everyone sells their soul for something, maybe not a chemical drug, but some weakness, like money or work. Although this particular song is probably referring to the chemical highs and lows of drug addicts, the bruises under the eyes or from the needles used to inject the drug of choice and how drug addicts have sold their soul to drugs. Also, “And everyone’s eyes are blue/ And everyone’s mouth is dry/ and nobody wants to die/ In Van Nuys/ Van Nuys,” (lines 23-27) could refer to the blue bags under the eyes of addicts, the dry mouth caused by the drugs, and Van Nuys is a reflection of the working class and how no one wants to die without accomplishing something to be remembered for (line 36-37). The repeat of lines 38-42 could represent his desperation and how he’s slipping away, so all he can do is keep repeating how everyone is like him, a drug addict, unfulfilled, and afraid of death. I found the music and lyrics to be very moving; the piano parts were entrancing and heartfelt; able to make you feel his hopelessness. It has a great driving beat to it, and the violins were a nice touch to make the song more interesting. It just moves along and you can almost taste his confusion and desperation. The fact that the listener can feel the emotions from the song is a good testament to the band and what makes the song great.

"Sixx: a.m.- van nuys." youtube. Web. 7 Apr 2010.

Sixx, Nikki, and James Michaels. "Sixx: A.M. Lyrics "Van Nuys"." AZLyrics. Eleven-Seven Music, n.d. Web. 7 Apr 2010.

www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sixxam/vannuys.html