About the song
Ah, Barry Manilow. The name alone conjures up images of shimmering suits, a cascading mane of hair, and melodies that burrow their way into your heart. He was the king of soft rock in the 70s, churning out hit after hit that dominated the airwaves and filled stadiums with adoring fans. And while “Copacabana” might be the song that springs to mind first, there’s another Manilow gem that deserves its place in the spotlight: “It Never Rains in Southern California.”
Released in 1975, this song wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was a mini-movie for your ears. It tells the story of a struggling musician who heads to the Golden State with dreams of stardom, only to find that the reality of chasing fame and fortune is far from glamorous. Remember, this was a time when singer-songwriters were weaving intricate narratives into their music – think Harry Chapin’s “Taxi” or Jim Croce’s “Operator.” “It Never Rains in Southern California” perfectly captures that storytelling spirit.
The song opens with a sense of optimism, a wide-eyed naiveté as our protagonist arrives in LA. Manilow’s voice, smooth as melted butter, paints a picture of sunshine and endless possibilities. But as the verses unfold, the lyrics reveal a growing disillusionment. The protagonist faces rejection, sleeps in his car, and battles the harsh realities of trying to make it in the cutthroat music industry.
And that’s where the genius of this song lies. It’s not just about the sunshine and palm trees; it’s about the struggle, the setbacks, and the bittersweet taste of dashed hopes. It’s a reminder that even in the land of dreams, life can throw you curveballs. And that even when it feels like “it never rains in Southern California,” storms can brew, both literally and figuratively.
But what truly elevates this song is Manilow’s masterful delivery. His voice soars through the chorus, conveying both the yearning for success and the creeping despair. The arrangement is lush, with sweeping strings and a driving beat that perfectly complements the emotional rollercoaster of the lyrics.
“It Never Rains in Southern California” is more than just a song; it’s a timeless tale of ambition, disillusionment, and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that even when the odds are stacked against us, we can find the strength to keep chasing our dreams, even if it means weathering a few storms along the way.
Video
Lyrics
Got on a board a west bound 747
Didn’t think before deciding what to do
All 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 under loved, I’m under fed
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?
Tell them I had offers but didn’t know which one’s to take
But please don’t tell them how you found me
Don’t tell them how you found me, give me 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
