California Dreamin'
Jann Arden Lyrics


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All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray
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

Stopped in to a church I passed along the way
Oh, I got down on my knees and I pretend to pray
You know the preacher likes the cold now
He knows I'm gonna stay
California dreamin' on such a winter's day
(California dreamin' on such a winter's day)

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 tell her I could leave today
California dreamin' on such a winter's day

California dreamin', dream on




California dreamin', dream on
California dreamin', dream on

Overall Meaning

Jann Arden's "California Dreamin'" is a classic anthem that highlights the endless possibilities of the Golden State. The song's lyrics, "All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray, I've been for a walk on a winter's day, I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A.," represents the singer feeling the harshness of winter and finding comfort in the idea of California's sunshine and warmth. The lines, "stopped in to a church I passed along the way, oh, I got down on my knees and I pretend to pray, you know the preacher likes the cold now he knows I'm gonna stay," indicates a sense of loneliness, as the character is trying to find solace in a space of worship. It also highlights the idea that the preacher is aware of people from different regions coming to California for warmth and is possibly welcoming them.


The song's chorus, "California dreamin' on such a winter's day," signifies the singer's desire to escape the harsh and limiting conditions of winter and dream of a better life in California. The song's lyrics provide a sense of hope and aspiration, highlighting California's lure as the land of possibility.


Line by Line Meaning

All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray
The vegetation is lifeless and the sky is gloomy


I've been for a walk on a winter's day
I have taken a stroll on a cold, Winter day


I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A.
I would be protected and comfortable if I were in Los Angeles


California dreamin' on such a winter's day
I am imagining being in California on this cold day


Stopped in to a church I passed along the way
I visited a church that I came across


Oh, I got down on my knees and I pretend to pray
I knelt down and feigned praying


You know the preacher likes the cold now
The pastor prefers the cold weather now


He knows I'm gonna stay
He anticipates that I will stay


If I didn't tell her I could leave today
If I had not disclosed, I could depart today


California dreamin' on such a winter's day
I dream of California while it's Winter here


California dreamin', dream on
Keep dreaming of California


California dreamin', dream on
Keep dreaming of California


California dreamin', dream on
Keep dreaming of California




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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