About the song
“Ventura Highway,” a memorable track from 1972 by the band America, offers a fascinating glimpse into the imagination and experiences of its creator, Dewey Bunnell. This song, featured on their album *Homecoming*, captures a nostalgic journey through both physical and emotional landscapes.
Dewey Bunnell, who sang and wrote the song, drew inspiration from a family trip in 1963. During this trip, his family had a flat tire near Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. While waiting for the tire to be fixed, Bunnell and his brother marveled at the shapes of clouds and spotted a road sign for Ventura. This experience, combined with memories of his childhood in Omaha and his dreams of California, became the essence of “Ventura Highway.”
The lyrics of the song evoke a sense of freedom and exploration, reflecting Bunnell’s internal dialogue and his longing for adventure. The character Joe, who appears in the song, represents an older, more reflective figure engaging in a conversation with a younger, hopeful individual. This dialogue symbolizes a journey of self-discovery and the quest for new horizons.
Musically, “Ventura Highway” stands out with its vibrant, optimistic quality. The introduction features a memorable harmony on two guitars, crafted by band members Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek. This harmonious blend became one of the song’s key attractions.
The reception of “Ventura Highway” was enthusiastic, with the song reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 43 on the UK Singles Chart. It has since enjoyed lasting popularity, in part due to its catchy melody and the vivid imagery in its lyrics. Interestingly, the song’s phrase “purple rain” later inspired the title of a famous work by Prince, though the connection remains uncertain.
Overall, “Ventura Highway” remains a cherished piece of American music history. Its blend of reflective lyrics and engaging melodies continues to resonate with audiences, including notable fans such as Jesse Ventura, who invited the band to perform at his inaugural celebration.
Video
Lyrics
Chewing on a piece of grass, walking down the road
Tell me, how long you’re gonna stay here, Joe?
Some people say this town don’t look good in snow
You don’t care, I know
Ventura Highway, in the sunshine
Where the days are longer
The nights are stronger than moonshine
You’re gonna go, I know
‘Cause the free wind is blowin’ through your hair
And the days surround your daylight there
Seasons crying, no despair
Alligator lizards in the air, in the air
Wishin’ on a falling star, watching for the early train
Sorry boy, but I’ve been hit by purple rain
Aw, come on Joe, you can always change your name
Thanks a lot, son, just the same
Ventura Highway, in the sunshine
Where the days are longer
The nights are stronger than moonshine
You’re gonna go, I know
‘Cause the free wind is blowin’ through your hair
And the days surround your daylight there
Seasons crying, no despair
Alligator lizards in the air, in the air