About the song
“Ventura Highway” is a classic song from the folk rock band America, featured on their 1972 album *Homecoming*. Written by Dewey Bunnell, the song captures a nostalgic and adventurous spirit, evoking the open road and the allure of the California coastline.
The inspiration for “Ventura Highway” came from Bunnell’s childhood memories. In 1963, while his family was driving down the coast from Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc, California, they experienced a flat tire. While waiting for his father to fix the tire, Bunnell and his brother observed the clouds and a road sign for Ventura, which sparked his imagination. Bunnell recalled that the lyric “alligator lizards in the air” was inspired by the shapes he saw in the clouds. This imagery, combined with the reference to Ventura Highway, represents a sense of freedom and the beauty of California.
In the song, Bunnell presents a dialogue between a grumpy old man named Joe and a hopeful young person. Joe’s character was inspired by a man Bunnell encountered during his father’s service at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. The conversation reflects themes of hope and exploration, with the old man questioning the young person’s plans and dreams. The song’s title, “Ventura Highway,” is actually a nod to the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, rather than a real road called Ventura Highway.
The song’s introduction features a distinctive harmony between two guitars, a part that Bunnell, along with bandmates Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek, developed in a hotel room. This harmonic guitar line became the song’s memorable hook.
“Ventura Highway” received positive reviews and achieved significant chart success. It peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for 12 weeks after its debut on October 21, 1972. The song also reached number 43 on the UK Singles Chart, where it stayed for four weeks.
The song’s influence extended beyond its initial release. It contains the phrase “purple rain,” which was later used as the title of Prince’s iconic 1984 song, album, and film. Although there is no confirmed connection between the two, some speculate that Prince may have drawn inspiration from “Ventura Highway.”
The song also holds a special place in popular culture. It won the admiration of Jesse Ventura, the pro wrestler-turned-politician, who invited America to perform at his inaugural celebration. Ventura’s wife was a fan of the band’s hit “A Horse with No Name,” and the band’s performance at his event was a memorable moment.
“Ventura Highway” remains a beloved track in America’s discography, celebrated for its evocative lyrics, catchy melodies, and the enduring spirit of adventure it represents.
Video
Lyrics
Chewing on a piece of grass, walking down the road
Tell me, how long you’re 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, watching for the early train
Sorry boy, but I’ve been hit by purple rain
Aw, come on 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