California Dreaming
Merrick Lowell Lyrics

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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)
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 dreamin′ (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 pretend to pray (I pretend to pray)
You know the preacher liked the cold (preacher liked the cold)
He knows I'm gonna stay (knows I′m gonna stay)
California dreamin' (California dreamin′)
On such a winter's day

If I didn't tell her (if I didn′t tell her)
I could leave today (I could leave today)
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 dreamin′ (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day

California dreamin′

California dreamin′
California dreamin'

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "California Dreaming" by Merrick Lowell paint a picture of someone who is unhappy with their current situation on a winter's day, indicating that perhaps they come from a cold, dull place. The singer longs for California, where they believe they would be safe, warm, and content. The lyrics express a desire for something better, something more hopeful that gives the singer a reason to escape their current situation.

The song's melody provides a somewhat melancholy tone that reflects the lyrics' message, even though the chorus's repeated refrain of "California dreamin'" speaks to the possibility of hope and optimism. The implied contrast between the dark, gray skies in their current location and the sunny skies of California symbolizes a metaphor for the person's search for happiness and contentment. Additionally, the mention of the church and pretending to pray could be seen as a way of conveying the familiar feeling of seeking comfort in something familiar, even if that comfort is only temporary.

Line by Line Meaning

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
The fall season has arrived, and the leaves have changed to brown, which is apparent from the songwriter's current environment.

And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
The sky's current color is dull and gray, most likely due to the winter season's overcast and gloomy atmosphere.

I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
The songwriter has gone for a leisurely stroll outside to take in the scenery and surroundings.

On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
The musician is wandering on a day during winter, which is characterized by cold temperatures and snowfall.

I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm)
If the songwriter were in L.A., they would be staying in a secure and cozy setting while avoiding the freezing weather outside.

If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)
The icon wishes that they could move to Los Angeles, where the climate is mild and warm all year.

California dreamin' (California dreamin')
The musician is fantasizing and imagining about living in California, and they become happy whenever the thought comes to their mind.

On such a winter's day
These situations border on the subconscious. The exclamation, a dream come true, could only make sense in a fantasy world. It reveals that their thoughts are far from the present situation, and they dream of relaxing in the sunshine in stunning California.

Stopped in to a church
While walking through the town or city, the songwriter took a break to enter a church and enjoy the peacefulness.

I passed along the way
The church was found by chance, and they didn't go out of their way to look for it.

Well I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)
The song's protagonist got on their knees in the church to pray for their soul's peace and guidance.

And I pretend to pray (I pretended to pray)
However, the writer did not truly join in prayer and just went through the motions of praying, likely to find a sense of peace in the quiet church.

You know the preacher liked the cold (preacher liked the cold)
The preacher in the church presumably enjoys the cold weather because it brings individuals to his church for some warmth and relaxation.

He knows I'm gonna stay (knows I'm gonna stay)
The preacher believes that the songwriter has decided to stay in the church for a while to warm up before leaving again. He does not know that the musician desires to stay in California indefinitely.

If I didn't tell her (if I didn't tell her)
If the songwriter did not disclose their desire to go to California, they would be able to leave immediately without any consequences.

I could leave today (I could leave today)
The writer could forsake their present life and simply leave to California at this moment without prompting, abandoning everything done until now.

California dreamin′ (California dreamin′)
The song's subject is preoccupied by the thought of living in California, which triggers happiness whenever imagine.

California dreamin' (California dreamin')
The musician is preoccupied with the desire of living in California, enough to cause them to dream of the place.

Writer(s): Phillips John E A, Phillips Michelle G

Contributed by Muhammad D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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