California Dreamin'
Mama`s & Papa`s Lyrics

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
The season is turning into winter, as evidenced by the brown leaves on the trees.

And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
The weather is gloomy and overcast, as shown by the gray sky.

I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
The singer has gone outside and taken a stroll.

On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
The walk took place during the winter season.

I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm)
The artist would be comfortable and protected from the cold.

If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)
The singer would be more comfortable in the warmer climate of Los Angeles.

California dreamin' (California dreamin')
The singer is yearning for a better life in California.

On such a winter's day
The artist feels particularly despondent and bleak on this day.

Stopped into a church
The artist went inside a church building.

I passed along the way
The church was on the path of the artist's walk.

Well, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)
The singer knelt down in prayer.

And I pretend to pray (I pretend to pray)
The artist was not actually praying, but merely going through the motions.

You know the preacher like the cold (preacher like the cold)
The singer understands that the preacher is used to the cold weather.

He knows I'm gonna stay (knows I'm gonna stay)
The singer intends to remain in the area for some time.

If I didn't tell her (if I didn't tell her)
If the singer did not inform someone important to them.

I could leave today (I could leave today)
The artist is contemplating leaving town without warning.