Meaning and Lyrics of It Never Rains in Southern California by Albert Hammond

The song “It Never Rains in Southern California” by Albert Hammond portrays a sense of disillusionment and the harsh realities of chasing dreams in a place that promises endless opportunities, symbolized by California.

In the verse 1, the protagonist takes a spontaneous decision to board a westbound 747, entranced by the idea of new opportunities and the glitzy allure of California, reinforced by the media’s portrayal of it. However, the pre-chorus hints at an underlying message that belies the facade of perpetual sunshine – suggesting that things are not always as they seem in California.

The chorus brings forth a powerful contrast between the idyllic notion of California being a place where it never rains and the stark reality that it does pour, both metaphorically and literally, challenging the idealized image.

In verse 2, the protagonist faces the harsh truth of struggling in California – being out of work, resources, love, and feeling adrift. The desire to go home signifies a metaphorical longing for comfort and stability that seems unattainable in this promised land.

The verse 3 reveals a plea to maintain appearances to loved ones back home, to not expose the reality of the struggles and uncertainties faced in California despite the tempting opportunities. The desire for a break conveys a plea for respite from the relentless pressures and disappointments in pursuit of success.

With recurring pre-choruses and choruses, the song reinforces the idea that the perception of California as a paradise of eternal sunshine is shattered by the challenging realities faced by those who seek their fortunes there. It serves as a cautionary tale about the deceptive allure of dreams and the struggles that accompany the pursuit of them in a place where it “never rains.”