California
Phantom Planet Lyrics
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Driving in the sun
Looking out for number one
California here we come
Right back where we started from
Hustlers grab your guns
Your shadow weighs a ton
Driving down the 101
California here we come
Right back where we started from
California (California)
Here we come
California
California
Here we come
On the stereo
Listen as we go
Nothing's gonna stop me now
California here we come
Right back where we started from
Pedal to the floor
Thinkin' of the roar
Gotta get us to the show
California here we come
Right back where we started from
California (California)
Here we come
California
California
Here we come
California (California)
Here we come
California
California
Here we come
California
California
Here we come
The lyrics of Phantom Planet's song California are an ode to the dream of finding success in Hollywood. The first stanza suggests that the main character has been on the run, possibly from a small town or from a life that they didn't feel completely fulfilled in. Driving in the sun, they are looking out for themselves, determined to make it big in California. The second stanza is addressed to the "Hustlers", those who are just as determined to make it as the main character. They are told to grab their guns, which could refer to their drive, ambition or talent, and to come to California on the iconic 101 highway. The chorus repeats the main message of the song; "California, here we come" and "Right back where we started from". Even though they may have left their homes behind, they will always come back to California, where they feel like they belong.
The bridge is the triumphant moment of the song, providing the main character with the energy they need to make it through the journey. "On the stereo, listen as we go. Nothing's gonna stop me now" suggests that the character is listening to music that inspires and uplifts them, and that they are completely focused on their goal. The last stanza sums up the journey - pedal to the floor, thinking of the roar (referring to the crowd screaming at their success), they have to get to the show. This line emphasizes the hunger and urgency they feel to make their dreams a reality.
Line by Line Meaning
We've been on the run
We've been moving around a lot
Driving in the sun
Traveling during the daytime with enough sunlight
Looking out for number one
Prioritizing ourselves and our goals above others
California here we come
We're heading to California
Right back where we started from
Going back to where we initially began
Hustlers grab your guns
People who work hard, get ready to take action
Your shadow weighs a ton
Feeling overwhelmed and burdened by the consequences of past actions and mistakes
Driving down the 101
Driving down the highway 101 which goes through California
On the stereo
Playing music on the radio
Listen as we go
Hearing music as we travel
Nothing's gonna stop me now
Nothing will prevent me from achieving my goal
Pedal to the floor
Accelerating as hard and fast as possible
Thinkin' of the roar
Imagining how it will feel when we achieve our goal
Gotta get us to the show
We must get to the event that we're trying to attend
California, California
Repeatedly saying California to emphasize its importance to us
Here we come, oh oh
We're arriving soon
Here we come
We're heading to California again
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Al Jolson, Jacques Brautbar, Buddy Desylva, Sam Farrar, Alex Greenwald, Joseph Meyer, Darren Robinson, Jason F Schwartzman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rowffy9132
This song is like an old friend you haven't see in ages
@jetas5820
True
@RealJPMcGrath
🙏
@xilee5993
True
@anymoretime
the video too
@stelralook
Hah yeah❤️
@ediann
God bless Phantom Planet for this beautiful song of California. It’s so sad and tragic what’s happening right now in beautiful California with the Southern California wild fires including Pacific Palisades.
@lindseysloan8735
Heartbreaking.
@nickiraheard5396
The "Aesthetic" of early 2000's.
@riccardopapi8805
Definately the best aesthetic