California Dreamin
José Feliciano Lyrics
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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 dreaming
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'd to pray
(I pretend'd 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 dreaming
(California dreaming)
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 dreaming
(California dreaming)
On such a winter's day
California dreaming
On such a winter's day
California dreaming
On such a winter's day
The first verse of José Feliciano's "California Dreamin'" sets the scene for the listener, painting a picture of a desolate winter day in which all the leaves are brown and the sky is gray. The singer reflects on the contrasting warmth and safety that he would feel if he were in L.A. The juxtaposition of the dull winter setting with the imagined vibrancy of California highlights the longing that the singer feels to escape his current surroundings. The repetition of the phrase "on such a winter's day" emphasizes the singer's discomfort with the present moment and underscores his desire to escape.
The second verse introduces a church, where the singer stops along his walk. He drops to his knees as if to pray, but it becomes clear that he is simply pretending in order to avoid the cold. The preacher, who is presumably also seeking refuge from the winter weather, understands the singer's intentions and accepts his presence. This moment highlights the themes of escape and comfort that are prevalent throughout the song. Like L.A., the church represents a place of warmth and safety in contrast to the cold, gray outside world.
Line by Line Meaning
All the leaves are brown
The leaves of the trees have turned brown, indicating the coming of winter.
And the sky is gray
The sky is overcast and gray, typical of cold winter days.
I’ve been for a walk
I went for a leisurely walk to enjoy the winter scenery.
On a winter’s day
This event occurred during the winter season.
I'd be safe and warm
It’s much warmer in Los Angeles, and I would feel secure if I were there.
If I was in L.A.
If I were in Los Angeles, I would feel safe and warm due to its warmer climate and better conditions.
Stopped into a church
While walking, I entered a church that I passed by.
I pretend’d to pray
Although I didn’t actually pray, I gave an appearance of doing so.
You know the preacher likes the cold
The pastor of this church is accustomed to the cold weather and is possibly enjoying it.
He knows I’m gonna stay
The pastor is likely aware that I plan to stay here for some time.
If I didn’t tell her
If I didn’t tell the person I’m speaking to about my desire to go to California, I could leave unnoticed.
I could leave today
If I wanted to, I could depart for California immediately and escape the cold weather in the present.
California dreaming
I am imagining myself being in California.
On such a winter’s day
Despite being in the middle of winter, I’m imagining myself in California.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN EDMUND ANDREW PHILLIPS, MICHELLE GILLIAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aleyda hay alguna historia sobre el origen de la canción?
on Pecado Mortal
Hay alguna historia sobre el origen de la canción?