It Never Rains In Southern California – Albert Hammond (1972)

“It Never Rains in Southern California” is a popular song written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. It was released in 1972 as the lead single from Albert Hammond’s self-titled album. The song became a major hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Hammond’s signature songs.

The lyrics of “It Never Rains in Southern California” depict the dreams and struggles of aspiring artists who come to California seeking success in the entertainment industry, particularly in Los Angeles. The song explores the contrast between the sunny, glamorous image of Southern California and the reality of disappointment and unfulfilled dreams faced by many.

The track has a catchy and memorable melody, with a distinct soft rock/pop sound characteristic of the 1970s. Hammond’s smooth and soulful vocals contribute to the song’s emotional impact. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and hopefulness, as well as a touch of irony, as the chorus repeats the line “It never rains in Southern California,” emphasizing the theme of shattered dreams.

“It Never Rains in Southern California” struck a chord with listeners around the world, becoming a commercial success. It reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and achieved similar success in various other countries. The song’s popularity endures to this day and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.

Albert Hammond, the co-writer and performer of the song, is a British-born singer, songwriter, and record producer. Apart from his solo career, he has written or co-written many successful songs for other artists, including “When I Need You” (Leo Sayer) and “One Moment in Time” (Whitney Houston). “It Never Rains in Southern California” remains one of his most recognizable and beloved compositions.

The song’s lasting appeal lies in its relatable themes and timeless sound, resonating with anyone who has pursued their dreams or experienced the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. Its memorable chorus and poignant lyrics continue to capture the imagination of listeners, cementing “It Never Rains in Southern California” as a classic piece of pop music from the 1970s.

Lyrics

Got on board a westbound seven forty-seven
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 want to 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 didn’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