Lyric discussion by techgeist 

Cover art for Black Planet lyrics by Sisters of Mercy, The

I always figured this song was about california. In particular hollywood. When I say hollywood I mean All that hollywood is and stands for. Hollywood= will do anything for a buck, and the bullshit that mentality produces. Who knows? thats my take on it. I have some proof.

And I ride down the highway 101 (U.S. Highway 101 also known as the pacific coast highway or PCH) By the side of the ocean headed for sunset. (literally an ocean sunset? Probably Sunset boulevard. Approximately 22 miles (35 km) in length, the famous boulevard passes through or near Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills, Bel-Air, Brentwood, and Pacific Palisades)*

perhaps the most diverse 22miles in california. You drive through some of the seediest parts of L.A.(west hollywood) through the most affluent.(beverly hills)

Makes me want to drive it again while listening to this song.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Boulevard