California Dreaming
Mama and papas Lyrics


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All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey
I've been for a walk on a winters day
I'd be save and warm if I was in L.A.
California dreaming on such a winters day

Stepped into a church I passed along the way
Well, I got down on my knees and I began to pray
You know the preacher likes the cold he knows I'm gonna stay
California dreaming on such a winters day

All the leaves a brown and the sky is grey
I've been for a walk on a winters day
If I didn't tell her I could leave today




California dreaming on such a winters day
On such a winters day, on such a winters day

Overall Meaning

In "California Dreaming," the Mama and Papas sing about a longing to escape the cold, dreary winters of wherever they currently are and head to the warm, sunny paradise of California. The opening line "all the leaves are brown and the sky is grey" sets the tone for a winter day and the uninviting atmosphere that comes with it. The singer then daydreams or wishes they were in Los Angeles, where they would be "safe and warm."


In the second verse, the singer finds solace in a church, praying and seeking refuge from the cold outdoors. The preacher, being used to the cold weather, is not bothered by it and the singer is envious of this indifference. The final verse seems to suggest that the singer may have someone they want to leave behind and join in California, but they haven't yet disclosed their plans.


Line by Line Meaning

All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey
The weather is dreary and depressing, with dead leaves everywhere.


I've been for a walk on a winters day
I went for a walk to get out of the house despite the bad weather.


I'd be save and warm if I was in L.A.
If I were in Los Angeles, I would be at ease and comfortable in the perpetually warm weather.


California dreaming on such a winters day
I am lost in thoughts of moving to California to escape the current unpleasant weather.


Stepped into a church I passed along the way
I stumbled upon a church while out for a walk.


Well, I got down on my knees and I began to pray
I fell to my knees and started to pray, perhaps for guidance or inspiration.


You know the preacher likes the cold he knows I'm gonna stay
The preacher is accustomed to the chilly weather and expects me to stay for a while.


All the leaves a brown and the sky is grey
The environment is still unpleasantly gray and dead.


If I didn't tell her I could leave today
If I didn't disclose my feelings, I could leave my current situation immediately.


California dreaming on such a winters day
I continue to daydream about a better life in California on this dreary winter day.


On such a winters day, on such a winters day
This winter day is an ongoing source of frustration, and I can't help but think of a better life elsewhere.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN EDMUND ANDREW PHILLIPS, MICHELLE GILLIAM

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@FolkExperience

Enjoy this vintage Spring music mix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-iksA5NRao 🌻

@GermansRuinedWT

This is one of those rare times where I caught a comment early

@apollo4suns494

​@@GermansRuinedWT indeed

@dianebrown6686

Must be smoking to much

@GGJordanFanatic

You should check out Angelina Jordan's cover and arrangement of this song and thank me later.

@fragglepuppies

True stereo

72 More Replies...

@giorgi222

This song makes me feel so weird, sad, nostalgic and happy at the same time, it’s confusing but I love it

@esmelivin1876

Omg same

@oAldanitao

I swear I feel the same

@Sao_Cheech_79

Same! 🙋🏻‍♂️✌️

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