About the song
Ah, yes, It Never Rains In Southern California, a song that’s become synonymous with the bittersweet allure of chasing dreams in the land of sunshine and stardom. Released in 1972 by British singer-songwriter Albert Hammond, the track transcended its pop-rock origins to become a cultural touchstone, capturing the disillusionment that can sometimes lurk beneath the glossy surface of Hollywood aspirations.
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Hammond, alongside lyricist Mike Hazlewood, crafted a seemingly simple narrative. The song follows a starry-eyed dreamer who has ventured westward, lured by the promise of fame and fortune in the Californian entertainment industry. The title itself, It Never Rains In Southern California, plays a crucial role. On the surface, it evokes the sunny, rain-free climate often associated with Los Angeles – a place where dreams can seemingly blossom under perpetually clear skies. However, a closer look reveals a touch of irony. Rain, a symbol of cleansing and renewal, is absent from this narrative. Could it be foreshadowing the emotional drought the protagonist might experience?
The verses paint a vivid picture of the protagonist’s struggles. We learn he’s “out of work” and “out of his head,” a far cry from the success he envisioned. The Californian sunshine, initially a symbol of hope, becomes a harsh spotlight on his fading dreams. The line “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” is particularly poignant. It suggests a naiveté about the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, a place where dreams often get washed away in a torrent of rejection.
The song’s melancholic melody, with its gentle piano and melancholic vocals, perfectly complements the lyrics. It’s not a bitter lament, but rather a weary acceptance of a harsh truth. There’s a sense of longing for the comfort and familiarity of home, encapsulated in the line “I wanna go home.” However, the song doesn’t offer a clear resolution. Does the protagonist return home defeated? Or does he find a way to persevere in the face of adversity? The ambiguity allows listeners to project their own interpretations, adding to the song’s enduring appeal.
It Never Rains In Southern California wasn’t just a hit for Hammond. It’s been covered by numerous artists over the years, from The Hollies to Warrant, each adding their own spin to the classic tale. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its universality. It’s a reminder that the pursuit of dreams, no matter how glamorous they may seem, can be fraught with challenges and disappointments. But even under the harshest sun, there’s always a chance for a personal rain shower – a moment of clarity or a shift in perspective that can help us weather the storm and keep chasing our rainbow.
Video
Lyrics
“It Never Rains In Southern California”
Didn’t think before deciding what to do
Ooh, 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
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
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