California Girls
Beach Boys - Greatest Hits (1997) [FLAC] {Steve Hoffman Mastered} Lyrics
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I really dig those styles they wear
And the Southern girls with the way they talk
They knock me out when I'm down there
The Midwest farmer's daughters really make you feel alright
And the Northern girls with the way they kiss
They keep their boyfriends warm at night
I wish they all could be California (girls)
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California girls
The West coast has the sunshine
And the girls all get so tanned
I dig a French bikini on Hawaiian island
Dolls by a palm tree in the sand
I been all around this great big world
And I seen all kinds of girls
Yeah, but I couldn't wait to get back in the States
Back to the cutest girls in the world
I wish they all could be California (girls)
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California girls
I wish they all could be California girls
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California girls
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California girls
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California girls
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California girls
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California girls
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
The lyrics of the Beach Boys/Fat Boy Slim song "California Girls" describe how the singer, likely a male, admires girls from all over the United States but expresses a special fascination for those from California. He appreciates the different styles of clothes worn by girls on the East coast, the distinctive accent of Southern women, the wholesome charm of Midwest farmer's daughters, and the passionate nature of Northern girls. However, all of his experiences pale in comparison to the image of California girls, who have a unique combination of beauty, warmth, and fun.
The singer suggests that the sunshine and the tanned look of West coast girls contribute to their appeal, but it's not just about physical appearance. His reference to a French bikini on Hawaiian island adds an exotic element to his fantasy, while the image of dolls by a palm tree in the sand evokes a carefree and playful atmosphere. By the end of the song, the singer declares that he wishes all girls could be California girls, emphasizing their special status in his eyes.
While the lyrics of "California Girls" can be interpreted as a tribute to the beauty and charm of girls from California, some critics have noted that they also reflect a narrow and superficial view of women. The song reinforces gender stereotypes, focuses on external attractiveness, and promotes the idea that women should conform to certain standards of beauty and behavior. At the same time, it captures a specific cultural moment in American history and celebrates the idealized image of California as a haven of youth, freedom, and hedonism.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, East coast girls are hip
I find the girls from the East coast cool and stylish.
I really dig those styles they wear
I really like the way they dress.
And the Southern girls with the way they talk
I am captivated by the Southern girls' accents and mannerisms.
They knock me out when I'm down there
I am awe-struck by them when I am around them.
The Midwest farmer's daughters really make you feel alright
The daughters of Midwest farmers have a certain charm and make you feel good about yourself.
And the Northern girls with the way they kiss
I am entranced by the way Northern girls kiss.
They keep their boyfriends warm at night
Northern girls are affectionate and loyal.
I wish they all could be California (girls)
I wish all the girls were like California girls.
I wish they all could be California
I wish all the girls could be like the California girls I admire.
The West coast has the sunshine
The West coast has great weather with plenty of sun.
And the girls all get so tanned
The girls on the West coast have a nice tan from being in the sun a lot.
I dig a French bikini on Hawaiian island
I am into French bikinis on Hawaiian islands.
Dolls by a palm tree in the sand
Girls by palm trees in the sand are very appealing to me.
I been all around this great big world
I have traveled all over the world.
And I seen all kinds of girls
I have seen many different types of girls.
Yeah, but I couldn't wait to get back in the States
Despite traveling, I couldn't wait to return to the US.
Back to the cutest girls in the world
I am happy to be back in the US with some of the cutest girls in the world.
I wish they all could be California (girls)
I wish all the girls were like California girls.
I wish they all could be California
I wish all the girls could be like the California girls I admire.
I wish they all could be California girls
I really wish all the girls were like California girls.
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
I really like all these girls.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brian Douglas Wilson, Michael Edward Love
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind