California Blues
Richard 'Groove' Holmes & Jimmy Witherspoon Lyrics
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I'm goin' to California, where they sleep out every night, yeah.
I'm leavin' you, Mama, 'cause you know you don't treat me right.
Let me tell you somethin', Mama that you don't know,
Let me tell you somethin', good gal that you don't know,
Yeah, I'm a do-right Papa, and got a home everywhere I go.
I got the California blues, and I'm sure gonna leave you here,
I may ride the blinds, I ain't got no railroad fare.
Come on in here.
Listen to me, Mama, while I sing this song, Lord.
Listen to your Daddy sing you this lonesome song.
You got me worried now, but I won't be worried long.
I got the California blues, and I'm sure gonna leave here, hey, hey, hey.
I got the California blues, and I'm sure gonna leave you here,
I may ride the blinds, I ain't got no railroad fare.
Honey, get over here.
The lyrics to Richard 'Groove' Holmes & Jimmy Witherspoon's song California Blues tell the story of a man who is leaving his love behind to travel to California. He is discontented with the way that she treats him and is looking for a fresh start in a new place. The man describes his situation as having the "California blues" - a feeling of restlessness and unhappiness that can only be cured by leaving.
Throughout the song, the man asserts his independence and self-reliance. He refers to himself as a "do-right Papa" who has a home "everywhere he goes". The phrase "ride the blinds" is a reference to the dangerous practice of illegally hitching rides aboard trains, which was common during the Great Depression. The man is willing to take this risk in order to escape the situation he finds himself in.
Ultimately, the song expresses a sense of frustration and alienation from the world. The man's love has not treated him well, and he feels that he has no choice but to leave everything behind and strike out on his own. Despite this, there is an underlying sense of hopefulness in the lyrics - the idea that a better life is waiting for him in California.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm goin' to California, where they sleep out every night, yeah.
I am headed to California where people sleep outside every night.
I'm leavin' you, Mama, 'cause you know you don't treat me right.
I am leaving you because you haven't been treating me well.
Let me tell you somethin', Mama that you don't know,
Let me tell you something, Momma, that you're not aware of.
Yeah, I'm a do-right Papa, and got a home everywhere I go.
I am a responsible father and have a home wherever I travel.
I got the California blues, and I'm sure gonna leave here, Lord, Lord.
I am feeling down and ready to leave this place for California.
I may ride the blinds, I ain't got no railroad fare.
I might sneak onto the train as I do not have enough money for the fare.
Listen to me, Mama, while I sing this song, Lord.
Pay attention to me, Momma, as I sing this tune.
You got me worried now, but I won't be worried long.
Even though you are causing me concern, I know my worries won't persist.
I got the California blues, and I'm sure gonna leave here, hey, hey, hey.
I am feeling melancholic and will be leaving for California soon.
Honey, get over here.
Honey, come over here and listen to what I'm saying.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PERCY MAYFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind