About the song
“Ventura Highway” is a 1972 song by the iconic American rock band America, from their album Homecoming, written by Dewey Bunnell. This song has become a timeless classic, with its catchy melody, harmonious vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics. The song’s background is as fascinating as its music, with Bunnell drawing inspiration from his childhood experiences and observations.
The song’s lyrics are a conversation between an old man named Joe and a young and hopeful kid, with Joe serving as a metaphor for the grumpy old man Bunnell met during his father’s stint at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. The song’s chorus, “There’s a palace in the heavens we both adore,” is a poignant reflection on the human desire for a better life, with the “Ventura Highway” serving as a symbol of the open road and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
The song’s structure is reminiscent of the classic “Go West, young man” motif, with Joe’s words of wisdom serving as a counterpoint to the kid’s youthful optimism. The song’s harmonies, courtesy of Gerry and Dan, are a highlight, with their guitar work adding a fresh and vibrant quality to the track.
“Ventura Highway” was a commercial success, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying on the charts for 12 weeks. It also charted in the UK Singles Chart, reaching number 43. The song’s legacy extends beyond its chart performance, with its influence evident in the work of other artists, including Prince, who borrowed the phrase “purple rain” for his own song, album, film, and tour.
The song has also won over fans from unexpected quarters, including pro wrestler-turned-politician Jesse Ventura, who asked America to perform at his inaugural celebration in Minneapolis. Bunnell recalled the experience, saying, “We went and played at Governor Jesse Ventura’s inaugural out in Minneapolis. He asked us to – his wife is a horse lady, and she’d always loved ‘A Horse with No Name’, and he had adopted this name Ventura. So when he put together his cast of characters for his big inaugural celebration, he wanted us to come and play two songs, which we did.”
In conclusion, “Ventura Highway” is a song that has stood the test of time, with its themes of hope, optimism, and the pursuit of one’s dreams continuing to resonate with listeners today. Its influence can be seen in the work of other artists, and its legacy extends beyond its chart performance to its impact on popular culture.
Video
https://youtu.be/ujsOx33f4mk
Lyrics
Chewin’ on a piece of grass, walkin’ down the road
Tell me, how long you gonna stay here, Joe?
Some people say this town don’t look good in snow
You don’t care, I know
Ventura Highway in the sunshine
Where the days are longer
The nights are stronger than moonshine
You’re gonna go, I know
‘Cause the free wind is blowin’ through your hair
And the days surround your daylight there
Seasons crying no despair
Alligator lizards in the air, in the air
Wishin’ on a falling star, waitin’ for the early train
Sorry boy, but I’ve been hit by a purple rain
Aw, c’mon Joe, you can always change your name
Thanks a lot son, just the same
Ventura Highway in the sunshine
Where the days are longer
The nights are stronger than moonshine
You’re gonna go, I know
‘Cause the free wind is blowin’ through your hair
And the days surround your daylight there
Seasons crying no despair
Alligator lizards in the air, in the air