After the commercial success of Bat Out of Hell and Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, and earning a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance for the song "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)", Meat Loaf nevertheless experienced some difficulty establishing a steady career within the United States. The key to this success was his popularity in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom and Ireland. He received the 1994 Brit Award in the United Kingdom for best-selling album and single. He appeared in the 1997 film Spice World and he ranked 23rd for the number of weeks spent on the UK charts in 2006. He ranks 96th on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock". Meat Loaf appeared in over 50 films and television shows, sometimes as himself or as characters resembling his stage persona. His film roles include Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and Robert Paulsen in Fight Club (1999). His early stage work included dual roles in the original Broadway cast of The Rocky Horror Show. He also appeared in the musical Hair, both on and Off-Broadway.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meat_Loaf
Studio albums
Bat Out of Hell (1977)
Dead Ringer (1981)
Midnight at the Lost and Found (1983)
Bad Attitude (1984)
Blind Before I Stop (1986)
Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell (1993)
Welcome to the Neighbourhood (1995)
Couldn't Have Said It Better (2003)
Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose (2006)
Hang Cool Teddy Bear (2010)
Hell in a Handbasket (2011)
Braver Than We Are (2016)
California Dreamin
Meat Loaf Lyrics
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I went 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
Well, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)
And I began to pray (I began to pray)
He knows that I'm gonna stay (knows I'm gonna stay)
Oh now, California dreamin' (California dreamin) on such a winter's day,
Oh yeah
All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
I went for a walk (I went for a walk)
On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
If I didn't tell her, I could leave today
Oh now, California dreamin' (I thought you went away)
Oh now, California dreamin' (on such a winter's)
Oh now, California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day
(Dreamin') oh now, California dreamin'
(Such a winter's day) oh now, California dreamin'
(Cali-for-ni-a, thought the sky was grey)
California dreamin'
(Such a winter's day)
Oh, California dreamin'
(California dreamin', dreamin')
And the sky is gray
And the skies are gray
The lyrics of Meat Loaf's California Dreamin' (feat. Patti Russo) refer to a person's desire to escape the dreariness of winter by dreaming of California. The imagery of leaves being brown and a gray sky suggest a somber atmosphere that the singer wants to escape. The longing for the warmth of Los Angeles is so strong that the person imagines being safe and warm in L.A. When the character stops by a church, they kneel to pray, possibly seeking guidance or strength. The preacher appears to understand the singer's dilemma, knowing that they won't leave the cold but would prefer to be in California. The song ends with the character still dreaming of California, locked in a winter' grip.
Line by Line Meaning
All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray
The environment is unfavorable and gloomy.
I went for a walk on a winter's day
Despite the cold weather, I went out for a walk.
I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A.
It is warmer and more comfortable in California.
California dreamin' on such a winter's day
I am imagining being in California and not dealing with the harsh winter.
Stopped in to a church, I passed along the way
I came across a church while walking.
Well, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)
I kneeled to pray.
And I began to pray (I began to pray)
I started to talk to God.
You know the preacher likes the cold (preacher likes the cold)
The pastor prefers the colder weather.
He knows that I'm gonna stay (knows I'm gonna stay)
The pastor probably knows that I am not from around there.
Oh now, California dreamin' (California dreamin) on such a winter's day,
I am still imagining being in California despite my current circumstances.
If I didn't tell her, I could leave today
I would leave today without letting someone know if I had the choice.
Oh now, California dreamin' (I thought you went away)
I thought the idea of leaving was gone.
Oh now, California dreamin' (on such a winter's)
I am still daydreaming about California in the current season.
Oh now, California dreamin' (California dreamin')
My thoughts and desires are consumed with being in California.
On such a winter's day
During this time of year with unfavorable weather.
(Dreamin') oh now, California dreamin'
I am still thinking about being in California.
(Such a winter's day) oh now, California dreamin'
My mind is still fixated on California despite the unfavorable weather.
(Cali-for-ni-a, thought the sky was grey) California dreamin'
My thoughts are consumed with being in California even though the sky is gray.
(Such a winter's day)
During the current season where the weather is cold and harsh.
Oh, California dreamin'
I am longing to be in California.
(California dreamin', dreamin')
I am thinking about California non-stop.
And the sky is gray
The sky is dull and gloomy.
And the skies are gray
The overall environment is dull and gloomy.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Edmund Andrew Phillips, Michelle Gilliam Phillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind