California Dreamin'
American Idol Lyrics


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All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray
I've been for a walk on a winter's day
I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A.
California dreamin' on such a winter's day

Stopped in to a church, I passed along the way
Well, I got down on my knees and I pretend to pray
You know the preacher liked the cold, he knows I'm gonna stay
California dreamin' on such a winter's day

All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray
I've been for a walk on a winter's day
If I didn't tell her, I could leave today
California dreamin' on such a winter's day





California dreamin' on such a winter's day
California dreamin' on such a winter's day

Overall Meaning

The iconic song "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & The Papas is a nostalgic tribute to the longing for the golden state of California. The lyrics describe the grays of winter and the brown leaves, both of which are not typically associated with California. The singer expresses a desire to escape to California, where they can be safe and warm. The message of the song is about the promise of hope that California represents, a place where dreams can come true and life can be better.


The song continues with a description of a church that the singer passes by, where they kneel and pretend to pray. Here, the lyrics suggest a spiritual quest for meaning in life. The singer seeks guidance and solace from the cold and finds it in the idea of California, which is portrayed as a destination of sunshine, warmth, and positivity. The song's chorus reinforces the dreamlike theme of the song, California Dreaming.


Line by Line Meaning

All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray
The leaves on the trees have turned brown and the sky is gray in color


I've been for a walk on a winter's day
I took a stroll in the winter season


I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A.
If I were in Los Angeles, I would feel secure and comfortable


California dreamin' on such a winter's day
I am imagining being in California on a winter day


Stopped in to a church, I passed along the way
I came across a church while wandering


Well, I got down on my knees and I pretend to pray
I knelt down and acted as if I was praying


You know the preacher liked the cold, he knows I'm gonna stay
The pastor enjoys the chilly weather and assumes I will remain there for a while


If I didn't tell her, I could leave today
If I kept a secret from her, I could depart immediately


California dreamin' on such a winter's day
Once again, I am imagining myself in California on a winter day


California dreamin' on such a winter's day
Reinforcement of my dream of being in California during winter




Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Edmund Andrew Phillips, Michelle Gilliam Phillips

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

TheeMan

Always randomly find myself singing this song by them. My favorite season.

T Blyke

SAME! šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚

Reign Drop

Thatā€™s literally exactly why Iā€™m here!šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£

TheeMan

@Reign Drop lmao. i come yearly.šŸ¤

Frank D

Hauntingly beautiful. Best group performance the show ever did

Dickie Greenleaf

I agree. Real singing. Not fake background singers

Frank D

Kelly carried that song for them if you listen closely. People forget the show wanted Tamyra to win and Kelly truly came out of nowhere and blew them all away in the end. They sort of did the same thing to Jennifer Hudson

MrsTL

Rest In Peace Nikkiā£ļø

thesovgc

Ryan slayed her one line (or two words, more accurately šŸ˜­)

Toasty Hoodie

I remember when this first aired

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