California Earthquake
Mama Cass Lyrics


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I heard they exploded the underground blast
What they say's gonna happen, gonna happen at last
That's the way it appears

They tell me the fault line runs right through here
So that may be, that may be, what's gonna happen, gonna happen to me
That's the the way it appears
They tell me the fault line runs right through here

Atlantis will rise, sunset Boulevard will fall
Where the beach use to be won't be nothin' at all
That's the way it appears

They tell me the fault line runs right through here
So that may be, that may be, what's gonna happen gonna happen to me
That's the way it appears

They tell me the fault line runs right through here





They tell me the fault line runs right through here

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mama Cass's song California Earthquake serve as a forewarning of a potential natural catastrophe. The opening lines refer to the underground blast which stands for an earthquake that could occur at any time. The following lines also suggest that the fault line runs right through this area, and this is in reference to the San Andreas Fault, which runs through the state of California. The lyrics further predict that Atlantis will rise and Sunset Boulevard will fall, signifying the massive destruction an earthquake of that nature could bring. Mama Cass poses a question to the listener, whether what's going to happen, will happen to them too. In this line, Mama Cass reflects on the uncertainty of life and how natural disasters can strike anyone.


The song lyrics align with the time the song was written, in 1971, when there was an increase in the intensity of earthquakes in California. Mama Cass's California Earthquake effectively reflects people's apprehension towards earthquakes happening in California. Her lyrics also capture the spirit and sentiments of the people living in California's earthquake-prone regions, where every day is uncertain because they live in fear of a sudden natural calamity. The song's lyrics portray Mama Cass's unique point of view and her reflection of how she perceives the world.


Line by Line Meaning

I heard they exploded the underground blast
I heard rumors about an explosion from an underground blast.


What they say's gonna happen, gonna happen at last
People are saying that something is going to happen and it seems like it's finally about to take place.


That's the way it appears
It seems like that's the reality of the situation.


They tell me the fault line runs right through here
People are warning me that an earthquake fault line passes through this area.


So that may be, that may be, what's gonna happen, gonna happen to me
It's possible that something bad could happen to me because of the earthquake fault line, but I'll just have to wait and see.


Atlantis will rise, sunset Boulevard will fall
The earthquake is going to be so strong that it will cause things that seem impossible, like the rise of Atlantis, and things that seem permanent, like Sunset Boulevard, to fall.


Where the beach use to be won't be nothin' at all
Even the beach, which seems like a constant in California, will be completely wiped away if the earthquake hits.


They tell me the fault line runs right through here
Again, people are reminding me that the earthquake fault line is in this area.


So that may be, that may be, what's gonna happen gonna happen to me
It's still uncertain whether or not the earthquake will affect me personally, but it's always a possibility.


That's the way it appears
Based on the information I've been given, it seems like this disaster could happen at any moment.


They tell me the fault line runs right through here
Once again, the repeated mention of the fault line is emphasizing the danger that everyone in California is facing.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN HARTFORD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@smokinjz

I heard they exploded the underground blast
What they say's gonna happen, gonna happen at last
That's the way it appears

They tell me the fault line runs right through here
So that may be, that may be, what's gonna happen, gonna happen to me
That's the the way it appears

They tell me the fault line runs right through here

Atlantis will rise, sunset Boulevard will fall
Where the beach use to be won't be nothin' at all
That's the way it appears

They tell me the fault line runs right through here
So that may be, that may be, what's gonna happen gonna happen to me
That's the way it appears

They tell me the fault line runs right through here

They tell me the fault line runs right through here



All comments from YouTube:

@bradster67

Cass Elliot had such an amazing voice. This is a favorite of mine from her. Thanks for posting so others can discover the incredible vocal talent that was Cass. Cass Elliot, you are still loved and missed!

@Dragonblaster1

A truly unique talent. Mind you, the rest of the band did a good job with the harmonies, and many of their hits are contributions from all the members. But this one is pure Cass, and one of my favourites.

@forrestcain1837

Mama Cass—forever in out hearts ♥️

@progfr0g

Great to hear this again. Remember it when it was used in a California earthquake doco early 70's. Living here in new Zealand makes it more relevant. Man could she sing

@judethaddeus9856

I LOVE this song!!!!

@Secretarian

Horror lyrics, and Cass singing them in such an angelic tone. What a contrast!

@judethaddeus9856

What are « horror lyrics »?

@eddisstreet

Cass Elliot was briliant - such a sad loss at such an early age

@neonmeatedream443

Incredible track at volume. Production is amazing.

@paulholden6757

That voice 👌💯💯🔥🔥🔥

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