Hollywood's Not America

Album: Aliens and Rainbows (2008)
Charted: 62
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song about the hazards of the search for fame was used as the exit song during the Hollywood Week for the 2008 series of American Idol. Somewhat ironic, as the Idol contestants are searching for fame.
  • "Hollywood's Not America" was written by Ferras together with Lauren Christy, who is part of the songwriting team The Matrix. Ferras told Billboard magazine: "I was sitting down writing one night with Lauren, drinking wine and talking about Hollywood - how people come here to achieve dreams, and you realize at one point that it's never going to be enough. When you get to that point, you realize, 'I love myself, I love who I am, I don't need all these things.' I don't want to be preachy in the song - it's just an observation. People ask me, 'Do you even like L.A.?' And yes, I love it."
  • Ferras said on his website: "I think Aliens and Rainbows is about that other place you go to in your mind when you just want to escape. When the world you live in isn't fun anymore and lets you down. When people let you down and you feel misunderstood. It is a place for dreamers, misfits and outsiders. It is a place where all kinds of creatures exist, who are your friends and 'get' you, and you suddenly feel a part of something and less like an outsider. So I guess overall, I chose the title for the album because it is representative of how I feel. Aliens and Rainbows (the place) is an escape from reality, a universe created by you. I think my record is just that. It is something that you turn on and escape and forget about everything for that moment."

Comments: 2

  • Maya from California This song reminds me of American Idol and when I went on a road trip when I was nine.
  • Kendall from Arkansas, ArI love this song it is soooooo awesome!!!!!It is my fave!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Randy Newman

Randy NewmanSongwriting Legends

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular Music

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular MusicSong Writing

Starting in Virginia City, Nevada and rippling out to the Haight-Ashbury, LSD reshaped popular music.

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"They're Playing My Song

It wasn't her biggest hit as a songwriter (that would be "Bette Davis Eyes"), but "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" had a family connection for Jackie.

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.