California
Grimes Lyrics
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It sounds just like my soul
Oh, but I'm not ready to win
Oh Lord, cause I don't wanna know what they say
'Cause I get carried away
Commodifying all the pain
The things they see in me, I cannot see myself
And when the ocean rises up above the ground
Maybe I'll drown in
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
You only like me when you think I'm looking sad
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
I didn't think you'd end up treating me so bad
Oh (ah-ah-ah)
Come Monday, it's a dream (ah-ah-ah)
Broken my own heart again
Chasing something beautiful
Oh Lord, but I don't understand what they say
'Cause I get carried away
Commodifying all the pain
The things they see in me, I cannot see myself
When you get bored of me, I'll be back on the shelf
And when the ocean rises up above the ground
Maybe I'll drown in
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
You only like me when you think I'm looking sad
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
I didn't think you'd end up treating me so bad
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
You only like me when you think I'm looking sad
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
I didn't think you'd end up treating me so bad
Oh, I, ready, I
Na, na, na, ne
Oh, I, ready, I
Na, na, na, ne
The song “California” by Grimes is an emotional journey that reveals the pain of longing for acceptance and the toll it takes on someone. The lyrics capture a sense of vulnerability and insecurity as the singer reflects on the complexities of being in the public eye. This is evident in the opening lines of the song, where Grimes cries to the music that sounds just like her soul. The lyrics also suggest that she is constantly seeking validation from others, with the chorus repeating the lines "You only like me when you think I'm looking sad" and "I didn't think you'd end up treating me so bad".
The second verse expands on this, emphasizing Grimes' struggle to stay true to herself while also wanting to be accepted. The repetition of the line “'Cause I get carried away commodifying all the pain” implies that Grimes feels the need to sell her suffering in order to gain recognition and success. The final lines of the song feature an unclear but hopeful final stanza, singing "Oh, I, ready, I/Na, na, na, ne". This suggests Grimes may be ready to find her true self, but she still needs to work on this journey towards self-realization.
Overall, the impact of this song lies in its honesty and sincerity. Grimes bares her soul in the lyrics, expressing the pain that comes with the constant need for approval and recognition in her career. Through her music, she invites us to empathize with her and consider the impact of pursuing fame at any cost.
Line by Line Meaning
This, this music makes me cry
The music Grimes is listening to is so moving it brings her to tears.
It sounds just like my soul
The music resonates deeply with Grimes, as though it is a reflection of her innermost being.
Oh, but I'm not ready to win
Despite her seeming success, Grimes feels she's not quite ready to achieve her goals and ambitions.
Oh Lord, cause I don't wanna know what they say
Grimes is anxious about how others perceive her, and would prefer not to hear any negative feedback.
'Cause I get carried away / Commodifying all the pain
Grimes has a tendency to exploit her own pain and trauma in her music, turning it into something she can sell or market.
The things they see in me, I cannot see myself
Grimes is often surprised by how others perceive her, and feels she has little self-awareness.
When you get bored of me, I'll be back on the shelf
Grimes anticipates being dismissed by others and replaced with something new/interesting.
And when the ocean rises up above the ground / Maybe I'll drown in
Grimes is contemplating the possibility of a catastrophic event, such as a natural disaster, that could end her life.
Cal-al-al-ah-al California / You only like me when you think I'm looking sad
Grimes feels that people in California only care about her if she is projecting a sad and vulnerable image, rather than if she is truly happy or successful.
I didn't think you'd end up treating me so bad
Grimes is disappointed and hurt by how she has been treated by others, particularly those in California.
Come Monday, it's a dream / Broken my own heart again
Grimes feels as though all her efforts and successes are illusory, and that she is constantly sabotaging herself or failing to live up to her own expectations.
Chasing something beautiful / Oh Lord, but I don't understand what they say / 'Cause I get carried away / Commodifying all the pain
Grimes is pursuing something that she considers beautiful or worthwhile, but is struggling to communicate her perspective to others or avoid exploiting her own struggles for profit.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Claire Elise Boucher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nicole Lian Hays
poopy
@happynaru7711
This, this music makes me cry
It sounds just like my soul
Oh, but I'm not ready to win
Oh Lord, cause I don't wanna know what they say
'Cause I get carried away
Commodifying all the pain
The things they see in me, I cannot see myself
When you get bored of me, I'll be back on the shelf
And when the ocean rises up above the ground
Maybe I'll drown in
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
You only like me when you think I'm looking sad
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
I didn't think you'd end up treating me so bad
Oh (ah-ah-ah)
Come Monday, it's a dream (ah-ah-ah)
Broken my own heart again
Chasing something beautiful
Oh Lord, but I don't understand what they say
'Cause I get carried away
Commodifying all the pain
The things they see in me, I cannot see myself
When you get bored of me, I'll be back on the shelf
And when the ocean rises up above the ground
Maybe I'll drown in
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
You only like me when you think I'm looking sad
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
I didn't think you'd end up treating me so bad
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
You only like me when you think I'm looking sad
Cal-al-al-ah-al California
I didn't think you'd end up treating me so bad
Oh, I, ready, I
Na, na, na, ne
Oh, I, ready, I
Na, na, na, ne
@Cerbie
I just fell down the Grimes Rabbit hole. She is so talented.
@selenetaron
Girl SAAAAAAAAME
@nickrosa5051
Thats where im at right now!! Been listening to her for hoursss
@aliceinwonderland2915
Brutal Honesty nice try buddy, been listening to grimes for 8 years. You’re the one doing what your told, did you learn about Grimes yesterday?
@weirdo66636
K Q same after hearing art angels.. i’m in love
@trentdevlaminck9927
Cool story for ya K. So in my senior year I got in trouble in school I was suspended for 45 days and was put on probation, my PO was an asshole who treated me like I was a felon (all I did was write on a bathroom stall. For 12 months I honed myself and worst of all I missed my chance to graduate with my friends. At the end of it all I was discharged finally and it was the day of my birthday. My friend played Genesis by Grimes and I fell in love with the song, ever since she has been my symbolism behind freedom, of self, creativity, and in a way a supernatural view beyond what others could see. Just felt like sharing.
@BiGPiSH
Something about the way she sings the California part is super catchy and pleasing to listen to.
@Rationalist101
Ikr
@achingaster1199
@@Longjohnsbirchoh damn. I thought it was machine. That’s so cool.