Ventura Highway

About this song

"Ventura Highway" was the lead single from America's second album, Homecoming, and Dewey Bunnell, who also sings lead, wrote it. It debuted at number 64 on the Hot 100 and later peaked at number 8, spending 12 weeks on the chart after its October 21, 1972 debut. It has since become a staple of soft rock and a favorite on classic rock stations for decades.

What it's about

Bunnell says the line about alligator lizards in the air refers to cloud formations he saw as a child while travelling through California with his family. He and his brother were pulled over by the road while his dad fixed a flat tire, and they admired the clouds and a road sign for Ventura.

Summary written with AI, based on the song's page on Genius.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 3 other songs, like “Rainbow Road by Joven Demonio”.
• Written by Dewey Bunnell.
• Produced by America.
• Recorded at The Record Plant.