About the song
“It Never Rains in Southern California,” the 1972 hit by British singer-songwriter Albert Hammond, might seem like a sunny ode to the West Coast paradise. However, beneath its breezy melody lies a deeper story – a cautionary tale of chasing dreams and the disillusionment that can follow.
Written by Hammond and Mike Hazlewood, the song paints a picture of a narrator yearning for success in the glamorous world of entertainment. He has left everything behind to pursue his Hollywood dream, a decision fueled by the romanticized image of California sunshine. However, the lyrics hint at a harsher reality. There’s no mention of mansions or movie deals, only the vague suggestion of a challenging present. The repeated line “It never rains in Southern California” becomes a poignant symbol – a facade of perfect weather masking the narrator’s internal struggles.
While the song doesn’t explicitly state his circumstances, we can infer a sense of disappointment and hardship. The sunny California he dreamt of may not be so welcoming. Perhaps he’s facing homelessness or financial difficulties, situations he desperately wants to hide from those back home. The song becomes a message, delivered through the cheerful melody, pleading “Will you tell the folks back home I nearly made it?” – a bittersweet line that betrays the underlying sense of failure.
Despite its melancholic core, “It Never Rains in Southern California” achieved immense success. The catchy melody and Hammond’s smooth vocals propelled it to number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to capture the universal struggle between dreams and reality. It serves as a reminder that chasing aspirations isn’t always sunshine and roses, and the road to success can be paved with unexpected challenges.
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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