I need a name, a place in the game
A way to sustain my stake in the frame
Then Hollywood, you come callin’
Oh, fickle fate, will it happen too late?
With the morning sun will I be done, or in Hollywood?
And she starts bawlin’
I’m talkin’ ’bout the weatherman with his golden tan
Has a master plan, he’s talkin’ ’bout Hollywood
Hollywood promises
Now, I live in the hills on whiskey and pills
And inside my head, I vanquish the dead
And Hollywood, she’s rewardin’
Well I’m riding the wave
Yes, and rock n’ roll saves
And right to the top and down I’ll drop
And Hollywood, you com crawlin’
Talkin’ ’bout the actor man who needs a chance
But he’s cleaning vans
I’m talkin’ ’bout hooker bars and the crazy cars
Searching’ for the stars
I’m talkin’ ’bout Hollywood
Hollywood promises
Hollywood promises is it a dream?
Hollywood promises, another crazy
Hollywood promises is it a dream?
Hollywood promises, another crazy
Star, star, star
You’re a star, star, star
You’re a star, star, star
You’re a star!
Am I inside a trap?
Just a star on the map?
Am I failin’ in my dreams?
Torn apart at the seams
In Hollywood, and she’s callin’
Talkin’ ’bout the screaming’ fans holdin’ out their hands
It’s all empty man
I’m talkin’ ’bout the city fools and the swimming pools
Get the crazy blues
I’m talkin’ ’bout the studio head telling me I’m dead
Get out of Babylon, yeah
Talkin’ ’bout Hollywood
Hollywood promises
Chasing Fame and Facing Realities
“Hollywood Promises” by Billy Idol captures the allure and heartbreak of chasing stardom in the city of dreams. Idol weaves a narrative about ambition, desire, and disillusionment, painting Los Angeles as both a seductive opportunity and a ruthless challenge. The lyrics vividly depict the highs and lows of the entertainment industry: from hopeful newcomers seeking a break to the crushing realities behind the glamour. Lines about “whiskey and pills” and “vanquishing the dead” hint at the darker side of fame, while repeated references to empty promises and fleeting stardom underscore the emotional cost of Hollywood’s seductive appeal.
The Illusion of Stardom
The song’s chorus, with its repeated “Hollywood promises, is it a dream?”, questions whether the rewards of fame are worth the sacrifices. Idol’s storytelling is rich with irony; the very city that offers hope is also the source of emptiness and disappointment. The track ultimately serves as both a cautionary tale and a tribute to those who dare to dream in Hollywood.
Song Credits
Written by Billy Idol and released in 1988 on Chrysalis Records.