California Stars
Billy Bragg Lyrics
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On a bed of California stars
I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd love to feel
Your hand touching mine
And tell me why
I must keep working on
Yes, I'd give my life
To lay my head tonight on a bed
Of California stars
I'd like to dream
My troubles all away
On a bed of California stars
Jump up from my star bed
Make another day
Underneath my California stars
They hang like grapes
On vines that shine
And warm the lovers' glass
Like friendly wine
So I'd give this world
Just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd love to feel
Your hand touching mine
And tell me why
I must keep working on
Yes, I'd give my life
To lay my head tonight on a bed
Of California stars
I'd like to dream
My troubles all away
On a bed of California stars
Jump up from my star bed
Make another day
Underneath my California stars
They hang like grapes
On vines that shine
And warm the lovers' glass
Like friendly wine
So I'd give this world
Just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
So I'd give this world
Just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
(Dream a dream with you)
"California Stars" is a song by Billy Bragg and Wilco, with lyrics by Woody Guthrie. The song is about yearning for a better life and seeking refuge in the natural beauty of California. The opening lyrics capture this sentiment, as the singer expresses his desire to rest his heavy head on a bed of California stars, wanting to lay his weary bones to rest. The lyrics go on to express the singer's longing for love and connection, as he imagines feeling someone's hand in his and dreaming his troubles all away. The California stars represent hope and inspiration - something for the singer to hold onto as he continues to work towards a better future.
The lyrics paint a picture of a place where lovers can enjoy each other's company and forget their troubles, under the warmth of the California stars that hang like grapes on vines. The imagery suggests a kind of idyllic, utopian setting, where all is right in the world. This is reinforced by the singer's willingness to give up everything to be able to dream a dream with someone on a bed of California stars. Overall, the song combines Guthrie's lyrical sensibility with Bragg and Wilco's musical interpretation to create a moving message of hope, love, and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight
I wish to lay my head down
On a bed of California stars
On a bed of nature's beauty
I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight
I desire to relax and be at peace
I'd love to feel
To experience the sensation of
Your hand touching mine
Your touch upon my skin
And tell me why
Explain to me the reason
I must keep working on
I need to constantly work to survive
Yes, I'd give my life
I am willing to sacrifice everything
To lay my head tonight on a bed
To rest my head in a peaceful location
Of California stars
Surrounded by the stars of California
I'd like to dream
I hope to experience in my mind
My troubles all away
A release from all problems
Jump up from my star bed
Awake from sleeping next to the stars
Make another day
Start a new day and awaken from sleep
Underneath my California stars
In the comfort of the California stars
They hang like grapes
The stars resemble hanging grapes
On vines that shine
On vines that glisten
And warm the lovers' glass
Provide warmth to glasses held by lovers
Like friendly wine
Like a friendly gesture of wine
So I'd give this world
I am willing to make great sacrifices
Just to dream a dream with you
For a chance to dream with you
On our bed of California stars
Next to the beauty of California's stars
So I'd give this world
I am willing to make great sacrifices
Just to dream a dream with you
For a chance to dream with you
On our bed of California stars
Next to the beauty of California's stars
(Dream a dream with you)
To dream alongside with you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jeff Tweedy, Woody Guthrie, Jay Bennett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mchaggis622
This song has deep meaning to me. I introduced it to my son when he was four years old. The year I adopted him. It quickly became his favorite and he would listen to it in bed as he fell asleep. When I lost him to depression 11 years later, I tried to sing it for him at a gathering. Almost made it.
@randallcouteret1600
This was heartbreaking to read.
Respect.
@mchaggis622
@@randallcouteret1600 Thank you 🙏
@markswansborough9426
Thanks for sharing
@heyRolleen
aww love, I am so sorry. that is so sad
@SmittenKitten.
My God... This is... I am just heartbroken. I wish there were words I could assemble to explain how sorrowful I am to read this. There are none. The best I can do is to say that every single time I hear this song from here on out I'll send a thought out to you and your son. I know that's hollow and quite meaningless, but it's all I have to give.
@JebediahWhite
Moved back to Vermont after 17 years growing up in San Francisco. Now my 40 year old bones and me just listen to this song and dream of the past.
@osiris0413
This was the first song on the first CD I burned for my girlfriend when she was still finishing school in LA and I was in my program in Ohio. 6 years later it was our first dance song at our wedding :)
@cristianjimenezsantos2944
That's beautiful, oh man
@davebenevich5446
Now that’s just beautiful doggy