About the song
Released in 1967 as part of The Monkees’ album, Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., “Hollywood” stands out as an ironic commentary on the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. As The Monkees’ musical style began to evolve during this period, the band started to experiment more with lyrical content and musical arrangements that ventured beyond their usual pop tunes. Written by Michael Nesmith, who was increasingly taking a more prominent role in shaping the band’s sound, “Hollywood” reflects his growing disillusionment with the superficial aspects of fame and the entertainment business.
The song captures the contradictory nature of Hollywood—a place where dreams are made, but often at the cost of personal authenticity and the loss of one’s true self. With lyrics like “Hollywood, Hollywood, I’m glad I’m not in Hollywood,” the song reveals Nesmith’s skepticism about the idyllic image of fame that was often portrayed in popular media. It’s a satirical and somewhat tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the celebrity culture that was so pervasive in the 1960s. At its core, “Hollywood” speaks to the emptiness that can come with fame and success, calling attention to the superficiality that surrounds the industry.
Musically, “Hollywood” features a folk-rock arrangement that was becoming increasingly common in the music scene during this time. The track opens with a jangling guitar and an easy-going rhythm, which at first might seem to reflect the cheerful side of Hollywood. However, as the song progresses, there’s a noticeable shift in tone, both lyrically and musically, that underscores the disillusionment of the subject matter. The layered harmonies and thoughtful instrumentation also contribute to a sense of irony—the music is at times upbeat, even though the message it carries is anything but.
In terms of its musicality, “Hollywood” draws from country-folk and rock influences, genres that were being embraced more frequently by artists seeking to move away from the commercial pop sound of their earlier careers. The song feels laid-back and melodic, but its satirical nature becomes clearer when paired with the lyrics, which offer a critical take on the artificial world of Hollywood. Nesmith’s vocal delivery is reflective, with a touch of dry humor that enhances the song’s ironic edge. This is far from the upbeat, carefree pop that many listeners were familiar with in earlier Monkees songs. Instead, it presents an early example of the band’s musical maturity, as they began to move beyond their image as a manufactured TV pop group.
“Hollywood” can be viewed as a moment of self-awareness within The Monkees’ catalog, reflecting the band’s recognition of the contradictions and absurdities that came with being thrust into the public eye as celebrities. It’s an introspective song that offers a commentary on the pressures of fame, and it was an early indication of Michael Nesmith’s role as a songwriter who sought to add deeper, more personal reflections into the Monkees’ music.
This track stands in contrast to the happy-go-lucky tunes that initially defined The Monkees’ commercial appeal. It marks a shift in the band’s artistry, as they began to take more control over their musical direction and explore more nuanced themes. “Hollywood” may not have been one of the band’s biggest hits, but it holds an important place in their discography, reflecting their growth as musicians who were not afraid to question the very industry that had made them famous.
In the broader context of The Monkees’ evolution as artists, “Hollywood” is a reflection of the disillusionment that came with fame—a theme that was explored by many artists in the 1960s. For The Monkees, it was a song that allowed them to express their own doubts and frustrations about the entertainment business, while also showcasing their ability to create complex, thoughtful mu