California Dreaming
Cover Masters Lyrics
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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
I stopped into a church I passed along the way
Well I got down on my knees and I pretended to pray
You know the preacher liked the cold, he knows I'm gonna stay
I'd be safe and warm
I'd be safe and warm
I'd be safe and warm
I'd be safe and warm
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 go, I could leave today
California dreamin' on such a winter's day
Oh such a winter's day
On such a winter's day
The initial verse of Cover Masters' California Dreaming describes the feeling of wanting to escape the harsh, cold winter weather by dreaming of a warmer climate. The reference to the leaves being brown and the sky being gray sets a bleak picture that contrasts with the desire for warmth and comfort. The lyricist mentions walking, perhaps in a park or street, in search of respite, but instead only finds more reminders of the season's misery. Even in this unpleasant setting, the mention of Los Angeles as a place of safety indicates attraction to a place that appears to provide a reprieve.
The second verse of the song portrays another scene in which the singer enters a church, possibly looking for solace or guidance. However, it turns out to be a pretense, as they kneel and pretend to pray. The preacher, who may also be seeking refuge from the cold, is depicted as knowing that the singer will stay and accept California as a dream destination. Thus, once again, the winter's day contrasts with the desire for warmth.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I'd be safe and warm," emphasizing the idea of Californian sunshine as an escape from a harsh, damaging world. Interestingly, the last phrase of "such a winter's day" reminds us that this is a temporary state and that better days might exist elsewhere.
Line by Line Meaning
All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray
It's winter and all the leaves have fallen off the trees, and the sky is overcast with gray clouds.
I've been for a walk on a winter's day
The singer has gone out for a walk despite the cold weather and the absence of greenery.
I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A
The singer wishes they were in Los Angeles, where it's warm all year round, and they would feel safe and comfortable.
California dreamin' on such a winter's day
The singer is daydreaming of being in California, which represents a place of warmth, sunshine, and freedom from winter's cold.
I stopped into a church I passed along the way
The singer came across a church during their walk, and they decided to enter it for some reason.
Well I got down on my knees and I pretended to pray
The singer kneeled down in the church, but it's unclear whether they genuinely prayed or just pretended to do so.
You know the preacher liked the cold, he knows I'm gonna stay
The singer may have spoken to the preacher, who seems to enjoy the cold weather, and the singer has no intention of leaving anytime soon.
I'd be safe and warm
This line is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the singer's desire for comfort and security.
If I didn't go, I could leave today
The singer could potentially leave their current location and head towards California, but they haven't made a decision yet.
Oh such a winter's day
The final line simply repeats the sentiment of the first few lines, calling attention to the cold and gray weather.
Contributed by Miles V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.