Australian-born singer/songwriter Hazel English moved to San Francisco, the… Read Full Bio ↴Australian-born singer/songwriter Hazel English moved to San Francisco, then Oakland, in 2013. When she met up with Jackson Phillips of the band Day Wave at the book store where she was working, the two hit it off and began collaborating. Their first three songs were posted on SoundCloud and became something of a sensation. English formed a band and played her first show opening for Craft Spells at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco in late 2015. The band played more shows throughout 2016, opening for acts like Ride and Field Music, along with headlining. Toward the end of the year, English released the Never Going Home EP, which featured two songs that had already surfaced on SoundCloud and music blogs, while adding three newly recorded tracks. It was issued by the Australian label Marathon as well as the U.K. label House Anxiety Records. More touring followed, including a European headlining jaunt in late 2016, a trip back home to Australia, and her first U.S. headlining tour in early 2017. Along the way she had been recording more songs and in early 2017, Polyvinyl released a double EP, Never Going Home/Just Give In, which included their EP and another one containing a five-song set titled Just Give In.

California Dreamin'
Hazel English Lyrics

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All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm)
If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)

California dreamin' (California dreamin')

On such a winter's day

Stopped into a church
I passed along the way
Well, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)
And I pretend to pray (I pretend to pray)
You know the preacher likes the cold (preacher likes the cold)
He knows I'm gonna stay (knows I'm gonna stay)

California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
If I didn't tell her (if I didn't tell her)
I could leave today (I could leave today)

California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day (California dreamin')

On such a winter's day (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Hazel English's "California Dreamin'" capture the yearning for a change in environment and a desire for a better life. The opening lines, "All the leaves are brown / And the sky is gray," suggest a gloomy and dull atmosphere. This imagery represents the singer's dissatisfaction with their current situation, possibly feeling stuck and longing for something more vibrant.

The next lines, "I've been for a walk / On a winter's day," convey a sense of restlessness and a quest for solace. Walking in the winter further symbolizes a sense of isolation and coldness in the singer's life. The following line, "I'd be safe and warm / If I was in L.A.," indicates that the singer believes they would find comfort and safety in Los Angeles. L.A. represents a place where dreams come true, where the warmth of success and opportunity await.

The chorus, "California dreamin' / On such a winter's day," encapsulates the theme of escapism. The singer envisions a future in sunny California, dreaming of leaving their current circumstances behind and seeking a fresh start. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the intensity of the longing and reinforces the dreamlike quality of the desired escape.

The second verse describes the singer's momentary respite, as they stop at a church along their journey. They get down on their knees to pretend to pray, suggesting a desperate attempt to find guidance and hope. The mention of the preacher appreciating the cold may hint at someone who understands the singer's struggle since they, too, remain in the chilly environment. This could be a metaphor for the singer's desire to be understood and accepted in their pursuit of a new life.

The final verse reiterates the opening lines, emphasizing the monotony and dissatisfaction the singer feels in their current situation. They contemplate leaving without informing anyone, suggesting a strong urge to break free and chase their dreams without hesitation. The repetition of "California dreamin'" in the closing lines further emphasizes the intensity of their desire and paints a vivid picture of their longing for a new beginning on a winter's day.

Overall, "California Dreamin'" depicts a yearning for change, escape, and the pursuit of a better life. The lyrics capture a sense of dissatisfaction and paint a vivid picture of the singer's longing for the sunny shores of California, where dreams are believed to come true.

Line by Line Meaning

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
The foliage has lost its color and withered, symbolizing the end of a vibrant and lively season.

And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
The sky appears dull and gloomy, lacking the usual brightness and vibrancy.

I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
I have taken a stroll, perhaps searching for solace or inspiration.

On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
During a cold and bleak season, where darkness and coldness prevail.

I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm)
I would feel protected and comfortable, shielded from any harm or discomfort.

If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)
If I were in Los Angeles, a symbol of dreams and opportunities, my worries and troubles would dissipate.

California dreamin' (California dreamin')
Longing for a utopian existence, where aspirations and possibilities are endless in the state of California.

On such a winter's day
Even in the midst of a desolate and bleak winter, the desire for a better life persists.

Stopped into a church
I entered a place of worship, seeking solace and guidance amidst my struggles.

I passed along the way
While on my journey, I came across this church as part of my path.

Well, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)
I humbled myself, adopting a prayerful posture, hoping for answers and comfort from a higher power.

And I pretend to pray (I pretend to pray)
Although I went through the motions of prayer, my heart may not have fully believed in its effectiveness.

You know the preacher likes the cold (preacher likes the cold)
The religious leader finds comfort or familiarity in the coldness of the winter season, as it aligns with their beliefs and practices.

He knows I'm gonna stay (knows I'm gonna stay)
The preacher is potentially aware that I will remain in my current state of longing and dissatisfaction.

If I didn't tell her (if I didn't tell her)
If I chose not to disclose my true feelings or intentions to a significant person in my life.

I could leave today (I could leave today)
I would have the freedom and capability to depart from my current circumstances immediately.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Edmund Andrew Phillips, Michelle Gilliam Phillips

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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