Theory of a Deadman: Santa Monica

I first came to know Theory of a Deadman because this track got featured in a video game called 'Indigo Prophecy' (aka Fahrenheit). I immediately thought 'Santa Monica' was a catchy rock tune with a mild edge to it detailing one of the oldest tropes to sing about. Boy, girl & a failed relationship. In the years since it came out, I think the theme is more relevant than ever. The grass is not greener on the other side.

Theory lead singer Tyler Connolly portrays himself as quite literally the video details his attractive girlfriend breaking up with him to pursue ... a career in showbiz ... excitement ... something larger in life. She sends him postcards along the route and finds out the fantasy is an illusion. Reality comes crashing home. Sleeping in motels, hitchhiking across Cali, likely exchanging sex for money.

You see the band perform as Tyler goes about his daily life with hurt, betrayal. Flashbacks to earlier times show them happy together. 'Santa Monica' is largely a standard music video and doesn't go anywhere crazy, but the visuals fit the song like a glove. It ends on realizing her mistake and coming back. It's left open ended (gotta have an upbeat finale, I suppose) if he takes her back, but you don't have to dig deep to know what a person should do in this spot.