Everclear never officially released "Santa Monica" in the United States, but radio stations got a hold of it and played it anyway and launched it to #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart in 1996. It spent three weeks at #1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and hit #5 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart and #35 on the Mainstream Top 40. Pretty good for a single that wasn't even released!
"Santa Monica" was written by Everclear lead singer, Art Alexakis, about his home town and safe haven. He said in an interview with
Songfacts, "
I'm using a place where I grew up and palm trees as iconic references. It's what I grew up with. I grew up in a seaside town called Santa Monica, which is like L.A. but on the coast. I've lived in cold places and been in bad relationships, and I think everybody has a place in their mind that is like a safe haven. It's also about getting away from bad times ... the ending of something is also the beginning of something new, whether it's with someone or getting out of a bad job, a bad way of life or an abusive relationship."
When Alexakis was a teenager his girlfriend committed suicide. Shortly after he attempted by jumping off the Santa Monica Pier. Some people feel this was the inspiration for the song.
After 9/11 the song was placed on a list of inappropriate songs so it was pulled from radio station playlists all across the country.
Everclear "Santa Monica" 1995
Everclear is playing the Crystal Grand in Wisconsin Dells on Saturday, January 26th. Doors open at 7pm. You can win a pair of tickets by texting EVERCLEAR to 39327 before noon today (01/10/19).