About the song
“It Never Rains in Southern California”, a song that evokes sunshine, palm trees, and endless summer days. Released in 1972, it became the signature tune for British singer-songwriter Albert Hammond. But beneath its catchy melody and breezy Californian imagery lies a more intriguing story, a tale of collaboration, unexpected hits, and a touch of gentle subversion.
Hammond, by no means a Californian himself, hailed from Gibraltar. He’d already established himself as a successful songwriter, penning hits like “The Air That I Breathe” for The Hollies, before taking a stab at a solo career. Partnering with another Brit, lyricist Mike Hazlewood, they crafted a song that captured the allure of Southern California. Los Angeles, with its perpetual sunshine and laid-back lifestyle, had become a cultural magnet, a place that seemed perpetually bathed in golden light.
However, “It Never Rains in Southern California” is not simply a postcard from paradise. Listen closely to the lyrics, and a hint of melancholy creeps in. The protagonist sings about a girl he met, “a Hollywood blonde,” but their connection seems fleeting, as temporary as the Californian sunshine. The line “There’s a winter in my heart” hints at a deeper emotional state that contrasts with the bright exterior. Perhaps the song reflects a wistfulness for a life that isn’t quite attainable, a yearning for connection amidst the sun-drenched California dream.
The song’s success was a delightful surprise. It Never Rains in Southern California wasn’t intended to be a single, but it resonated with audiences. The melody, a simple yet effective piano riff punctuated by bright horns, is undeniably catchy. Hammond’s smooth vocals deliver the lyrics with a touch of world-weariness that adds depth to the seemingly carefree facade. The song became a hit in the US, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and achieved even greater success in Europe.
“It Never Rains in Southern California” transcended its origins. It became an anthem for a lifestyle, a sunny disposition bottled into a three-minute pop song. The song has been covered by a wide range of artists, from performers like R.E.M. and Guns N’ Roses to Julio Iglesias, showcasing its universal appeal. However, the song also carries a touch of irony. Southern California, despite its reputation for sunshine, does experience rain. The occasional downpour serves as a reminder that even paradise has its imperfections, a subtle echo of the bittersweetness embedded within the song’s core.
So, the next time you hear “It Never Rains in Southern California”, don’t just bask in the sunshine melody. Listen for the undercurrent of longing, the hint of impermanence that underscores the California dream. It’s a song that lingers long after the last note fades, a testament to the songwriting prowess of Hammond and Hazlewood, and a reminder that even the brightest days can cast a subtle shadow.
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