About the song
“It Never Rains in Southern California” is a poignant ballad penned by the British-born singer-songwriter Albert Hammond and his collaborator Mike Hazlewood in 1972. The song, carried by Hammond’s soulful vocals, delves into the bittersweet reality of chasing the elusive Hollywood dream.
At its core, the song paints a vivid portrait of a hopeful individual who has ventured to the promised land of Southern California, lured by the allure of fame and fortune. The lyrics, rich in irony, contrast the sunny, idyllic image of the region with the narrator’s stark and disillusioned experience.
Hammond’s masterful storytelling transports listeners into the mind of a struggling artist, grappling with the harsh realities of a cutthroat industry. The narrator’s failed attempts to break into the entertainment world have left him destitute and alone, a far cry from the glamorous lifestyle he had envisioned. Despite his predicament, he feels compelled to maintain a facade of success to those he left behind, revealing the profound psychological toll of unfulfilled aspirations.
The song’s title itself is a clever juxtaposition, suggesting a perpetual state of sunshine and optimism, while the lyrics unveil a darker, rain-soaked truth. This lyrical dichotomy enhances the song’s emotional impact, resonating with anyone who has ever pursued a dream, only to face disappointment and adversity.
Released in 1972, “It Never Rains in Southern California” became a massive hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s universal themes of hope, disillusionment, and the human spirit’s resilience.
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Lyrics
Got on board a westbound 747
Didn’t think before deciding what to do
Oh, that talk of opportunities, TV breaks and movies
Rang true, sure rang true
Seems it never rains in southern California
Seems I’ve often heard that kind of talk before
It never rains in California
But girl, don’t they warn ya?
It pours, man, it pours
Out of work, I’m out of my head
Out of self respect, I’m out of bread
I’m underloved, I’m underfed
I wanna go home
It never rains in California
But girl, don’t they warn ya?
It pours, man, it pours
Will you tell the folks back home I nearly made it?
Had offers but don’t know which one to take
Please don’t tell ’em how you found me
Don’t tell ’em how you found me
Gimme a break, give me a break
Seems it never rains in southern California
Seems I’ve often heard that kind of talk before
It never rains in California
But girl, don’t they warn ya?
It pours, man, it pours