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
Twenty Three
California Wives Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say your good-byes
Keep the top down
I insist
For the last time
You let your kids
Take it all back
Before it misses
lifting up your heart
with the string tied tight
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
dance in a circle
with your dress and your eye
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
lifting up your heart
with the string tied tight
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
dance in a circle
with your dress and your eye
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
lifting up your heart
with the string tied tight
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
dance in a circle
with your dress and your eye
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
lifting up your heart
with the string tied tight
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
dance in a circle
with your dress and your eye
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
The lyrics to the song "Twenty Three" by California Wives appear to be about a celebratory moment in life, possibly reflecting on someone turning 23 years old. The opening lines "have a drink, say your good-byes, keep the top down, I insist, for the last time" could suggest that this is a farewell party or a final celebration before moving on to a new phase of life. The line "you let your kids take it all back before it misses" may refer to a recklessness or carelessness in youth that is now being reflected on with nostalgia.
The chorus of the song repeats the lines "lifting up your heart with the string tied tight, and you're wearing your fancy shoes tonight, tonight, dance in a circle with your dress and your eye." This imagery suggests a sense of joy and freedom in the moment, expressed through the act of dancing and wearing special clothes. The repetition of these lines throughout the song reinforces the celebratory spirit.
Overall, the lyrics to "Twenty Three" convey a sense of nostalgia for a happy moment in the past, but also an acknowledgement that life moves on and people must say goodbye to the past in order to embrace the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Have a drink, here
I'm offering you a drink to help you start off the night.
Say your good-byes
You should say your goodbyes before we leave.
Keep the top down
I want you to enjoy the open air while we still can.
I insist
You should do what I say, because I really want you to enjoy this.
For the last time
This is the last time you'll get to experience this, so make the most of it.
You let your kids
You've given up the things you love in order to take care of your children.
Take it all back
It's time to take back your life and start having fun again.
Before it misses
Don't wait too long, or you might miss out on the chance to enjoy life.
lifting up your heart
with the string tied tight
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
You're feeling happy and excited tonight, as if your heart is lifted up with a tight string. You're also wearing your fancy shoes to show that tonight is a special occasion.
dance in a circle
with your dress and your eye
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
You're comfortable enough to dance around in circles, swaying with the rhythm of the music. You're fully adorned, wearing a fancy dress and shoes for a special evening.
tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
It's a special night and there's an air of excitement and anticipation.
lifting up your heart
with the string tied tight
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
Once again, you're feeling happy and excited tonight, as if your heart is lifted up with a tight string. You're also still wearing your fancy shoes to show that tonight is a special occasion.
dance in a circle
with your dress and your eye
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
You're still dancing and fully adorned, showing that the excitement and joy of the evening persists.
lifting up your heart
with the string tied tight
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
Your heart is lifted high once again, as you revel in the happiness and excitement of the night in your fancy shoes.
dance in a circle
with your dress and your eye
and you're wearing your fancy shoes
tonight, tonight
Once again, you're dancing in a circle, twirling around and around, donning your fancy attire to show the continued celebration of a special night.
Writer(s): Jayson Frank Kramer, Hans Joseph Michel, Joseph John O'connor, Daniel Albert Zima Copyright: Vagrant Records Publishing
Contributed by Natalie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rulelove1
I recently heard a song of you on spotify and immediately have to look up for you. Can´t believe the few views this song has. Hope you are still going with this band. Much love.
@14regz
Amazing stuff guys. Sydney still awaits, orrr I do hope I haven't missed you if you have been here. hmm..