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

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in Songs

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in SongsSong Writing

Elvis, Little Richard and Cheryl Cole have all sung about Teddy Bears, but there is also a terrifying Teddy song from 1932 and a touching trucker Teddy tune from 1976.

Michael Schenker

Michael SchenkerSongwriter Interviews

The Scorpions and UFO guitarist is also a very prolific songwriter - he explains how he writes with his various groups, and why he was so keen to get out of Germany and into England.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80s

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80sSongwriter Interviews

'80s music ambassadors Wang Chung pick their top tracks of the decade, explaining what makes each one so special.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."