Santa Monica

Watch the world die with Everclear's iconic 1995 alternative rock anthem, "Santa Monica." A massive hit from their breakthrough album Sparkle and Fade, this track defined 90s rock radio with its blend of grunge power chords and catchy, melancholic melody.

Released as the defining single from Everclear's platinum-selling album Sparkle and Fade, "Santa Monica" launched the band to mainstream success. Its driving alternative rock sound, infused with grunge sensibilities and Art Alexakis's raw, narrative lyrics, struck a chord with a generation.

This quintessential 1995 track captures a feeling of escape and starting over by the ocean. Featuring a memorable guitar riff and an anthemic chorus, "Santa Monica" remains Everclear's signature song, a powerful example of mid-90s alternative rock and grunge-influenced sound.

SONG MEANING: The song expresses a desire to escape past troubles and personal problems by moving to Santa Monica, California ("We can live beside the ocean / Leave the fire behind"). It's about seeking a fresh start, finding peace by the sea, and leaving behind a life or people that have caused pain ("Swim out past the breakers / And watch the world die").