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
Purple
California Wives Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the top of the world, staring straight at a picture of you
And you’re standing in the middle, now your face is getting thinner
Now your face is getting thinner
And now she’s presently white
Standing next to a friend saying things that you never should’ve said
If I keep lookin’ at you, will you cut me in two?
Will you cut me in two?
Cut me in two
I see you purple blue
We’re filling out all the life living space, other people like you
And when we’re standing in the middle, will you break it til you quit ‘er?
Will you break it til you quit ‘er?
Will you break it til you quit ‘er?
Will you break it til you quit ‘er?
The lyrics to California Wives' song Purple express a sense of confusion and disorientation in a relationship. The mention of purple and blue colors create a dreamy, surreal atmosphere, as the singer seems to be in a state of emotional limbo. The use of second person pronouns ("you" and "your") could suggest that the singer is addressing their partner, or perhaps themselves in a reflective manner. The line "now your face is getting thinner" could represent a loss of identity or individuality within the relationship, as both parties seem to be blending together into a single entity.
The mention of the subject's friend saying "things you never should've said" adds an element of drama and conflict to the song, hinting at perhaps some sort of betrayal or breakdown in trust. The repetition of the phrase "will you cut me in two?" evokes a feeling of vulnerability, as if the singer is willing to be shattered into pieces if it means getting some sort of closure or answer from their partner. The final stanza repeats the phrase "will you break it til you quit 'er?", perhaps suggesting that the relationship is already damaged beyond repair, but both parties are still trying to hold on.
Overall, Purple is a deeply introspective song, exploring themes of identity, loss, and confusion within a relationship. Its dreamy, surreal tone adds to its emotional resonance and leaves a lasting impact on the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
It’s all purple blue
They are feeling a mix of emotions, probably of happiness and sadness.
On the top of the world, staring straight at a picture of you
They feel like they are on top of the world, but seeing a picture of someone they care about makes them feel both happy and sad at the same time.
And you’re standing in the middle, now your face is getting thinner
The person they care about is in the center of their thoughts, but they are worried that something may be wrong with them.
And now she’s presently white
The person they care about is now feeling distant or possibly lifeless.
Standing next to a friend saying things that you never should’ve said
The person they care about is now saying things they shouldn't have to someone else, which is causing concern.
If I keep lookin’ at you, will you cut me in two?
They are worried that focusing too much on the person they care about will cause them to fall apart emotionally.
I see you purple blue
They still have mixed emotions about the person they care about.
We’re filling out all the life living space, other people like you
They are filling their life with people who remind them of the person they care about.
And when we’re standing in the middle, will you break it til you quit ‘er?
They are worried that if they all focus on the person they care about, it will break them emotionally.
Will you break it til you quit ‘er?
They are afraid that the emotional weight of the situation will cause everyone to give up.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DANIEL ALBERT ZIMA, HANS JOSEPH MICHEL, JAYSON FRANK KRAMER, JOSEPH JOHN O'CONNOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ramsaur
No joke. This is one of my new favorite bands of all time. I started listening to them like a month after they released their first album and I just can't get enough! Also, they tweeted me back a few times!!!! :DDDDDDD They sent me the chords to this song if anybody wants them!
bue car
Same! I'm sad they did not take off like they should have, super underrated :[
Noah
amazing song, love their album!
Ramsaur
Love this band!
Tamara Basantes
just made my day, keep making more music ! ;)
Justin
couldnt get enough! every time I skate to this...never a bad time😄
ree
Effin luv this song, especially the guitars being played in it.
Revolusirexx
wonderful sounds!
SGeeeDubb
90210 brought me here. God this is THEEE perfect road trip song!!!! I absolutely love it!
applejackers148
omg wtf? why is it that only 7,800 ppl like this?! there amazing!!