Meaning of "La Cienega Just Smiled" by Ryan Adams

The lyrics of "La Cienega Just Smiled" delve into the complex emotions associated with unrequited love. The narrator finds themselves constantly thinking about this person, unable to let go despite the pain it brings. The mention of La Cienega, a street in Los Angeles, suggests that this may be a metaphorical representation of the city's superficiality and the disillusionment it brings. The narrator is caught in a cycle of emotional turmoil, holding onto the memory of the person in their mind while realizing that neither of them brings them peace. The contrast between sleeping and being awake further emphasizes the dichotomy between physical and emotional pain. While one person breaks their body, the other breaks their soul, highlighting the depth of their emotional struggle. The repetitive line, "La Cienega just smiles," symbolizes the acceptance of this unrequited love, as if the narrator is acknowledging that they will never be truly loved by this person. The song ends with a resigned farewell, as La Cienega waves goodbye, indicating that the narrator has come to terms with the fact that they will never be with the person they desire.