Forming in 2009, after original band members, Zima, O’Connor, and Michel, realized they needed to cover new ground, Kramer suddenly brought his love of electronic music into an already talented core of musicianship that completed the foursome, and blended all of their influences into one cohesive idea.
Fanning the flames after recording and releasing dance-pop love child, “EL 84” in early 2009, California Wives’ self-recorded 4-track EP No. 8 dropped only a few months later, reinforcing the foursome that they were on the right track with songs such as the bass-grooving “True Blue” and the vibrant pop single “Bibles & Wires.” Later that fall, the group released the synth-tastic “Twenty Three”, which became the band’s hottest single to date. Now on the verge of releasing their much anticipated September 3 EP, Affair, recorded at Gravity Studios, and mixed at Chicago’s famed Engine Music Studios -whose artists include Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Iron and Wine- Affair displays California Wives’ all-around musical dexterity that boasts flanking guitar and glimmering keys, with ever-so-clever lyricism, in tracks “Blood Red Youth”,“Guilt”, Photolights”, “Purple”, and a brand new version of “Twenty Three”.
For booking and other information, contact californiawives@gmail.com
Light Year
California Wives Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yea you had your phase 'cause you wanted to
You keep the small space 'cause you want it
You keep the small space 'cause you want it
Well you had your phase 'cause you wanted to
You wanted to.
Never picked your place 'cause you want it too
You live in outer space 'cause you want it
You live in outer space 'cause you want it
You never picked your place 'cause you want it too
Do you change it only to arrange it?
Only to arrange it.
Only to arrange it.
Do you change it only to arrange it?
Only to arrange it.
Only to arrange it.
Yea you keep me down 'cause you want it too
Now you keep me down 'cause you want it too
You make the people wait 'cause you want it
You make the people wait 'cause you want it
And now you keep me down 'cause you want it too
Do you change it only to arrange it?
Only to arrange it.
Only to arrange it.
Do you change it only to arrange it?
Only to arrange it.
Only to arrange it.
Do you change it only to arrange it?
Only to arrange it.
Only to arrange it.
Do you change it only to arrange it?
Only to arrange it.
Only to arrange it.
The lyrics of California Wives's song Light Year seem to describe a person who is very much in control of their own life and surroundings. They keep a small space and live in outer space because they want to, and they make people wait and keep others down because they want to. The repeated questioning of "Do you change it only to arrange it?" suggests that this person may be making changes in their life or surroundings solely for the purpose of control or manipulation.
The tone of the lyrics is somewhat melancholy and introspective, suggesting that the person being described may not actually be happy with their life choices or the way they are treating others. It's as though they are questioning their own behavior and motivations, wondering if they are doing things for the right reasons or if they are simply trying to maintain control.
Overall, the lyrics leave a lot of room for interpretation, as they are somewhat open-ended and can be read in a variety of different ways. However, they do seem to suggest a certain level of introspection and self-doubt, as well as a desire for control and power.
Line by Line Meaning
Well you had your phase 'cause you wanted to
You went through a certain period of time because it was what you desired.
Yea you had your phase 'cause you wanted to
You experienced a specific moment because it was your choice.
You keep the small space 'cause you want it
You maintain a limited area because it's what you prefer.
Never picked your place 'cause you want it too
You never chose a location because that's what you desired.
You live in outer space 'cause you want it
You reside in a distant realm because it's your preference.
Do you change it only to arrange it?
Do you make modifications solely for the purpose of organizing things?
Only to arrange it.
Modifications are made only to arrange things.
Yea you keep me down 'cause you want it too
You restrain me because that's what you prefer.
You make the people wait 'cause you want it
You cause people to wait because it's your decision.
And now you keep me down 'cause you want it too
At present, you continue to restrain me as it's your preference.
Do you change it only to arrange it?
Do you make modifications solely for the purpose of organizing things?
Only to arrange it.
Modifications are made only to arrange things.
Do you change it only to arrange it?
Do you make modifications solely for the purpose of organizing things?
Only to arrange it.
Modifications are made only to arrange things.
Do you change it only to arrange it?
Do you make modifications solely for the purpose of organizing things?
Only to arrange it.
Modifications are made only to arrange things.
Writer(s): Jayson Frank Kramer, Joseph John O'connor, Daniel Albert Zima Copyright: Vagrant Records Publishing
Contributed by Colton M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.