California Dreaming
Oldies - Mamas and The Papas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The lyrics of California Dreaming by Mamas and The Papas present a story of a person feeling down and stuck in the dreariness of winter, wishing they were in California where the sun is shining, and life seems to be full of joy and opportunities. The first verse depicts the winter scene and the contrasting desire to be in Los Angeles, which is a common destination for people seeking a better life. The second verse illustrates the character's attempt to find comfort and hope in a church, perhaps seeking divine intervention, which seems unavailable. The final verse suggests that the character wants to leave their current circumstances and head to California, but they may not have the courage or means to do so.
Throughout the song, the repetition of the chorus "California dreaming on such a winter's day" reinforces the theme of the song. The juxtaposition of the harsh winter day and the idyllic California dream symbolizes the conflict between the reality of life's hardships and the hopeful desire for a better future. The vivid imagery in the lyrics creates a vivid picture of the stark contrast between the gloom of winter and the colorful, hopeful dream of California.
Line by Line Meaning
All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey
The landscape is dull and lifeless, with no signs of any kind of growth, accompanied by an overcast sky, giving a feeling of despair and hopelessness.
I've been for a walk on a winters day
I have taken a walk on this gloomy winter day, feeling the chill in the air and the lack of liveliness around me.
I'd be save and warm if I was in L.A.
If I were in Los Angeles, I would have a sense of security and be able to find warmth from the coldness outside.
California dreaming on such a winters day
Despite the current situation, I still dream of being in California, imagining a warmer, brighter, and more exciting life.
Stepped into a church I passed along the way
I went inside a church I came across while walking, thinking it could offer me some solace or comfort in difficult times.
Well, I got down on my knees and I began to pray
In an act of desperation or hope, I knelt down and started to pray, seeking support from a higher power that can offer me relief from my hardships.
You know the preacher likes the cold he knows I'm gonna stay
The priest seems to be comfortable with the cold of the day, but he is aware that I will have to stay here longer and face the harsh weather outside.
If I didn't tell her I could leave today
I feel trapped and unable to leave my current situation because of an unspoken obligation or responsibility, but if I were to speak the truth, I could leave immediately.
On such a winters day, on such a winters day
Repeating the feeling of sorrow and melancholy that is deeply prevalent on this particular winter day.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN EDMUND ANDREW PHILLIPS, MICHELLE GILLIAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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
@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! 🙋🏻♂️✌️