The group appeared on Channel 4's The Chart Show and soon afterward signed with EMI, releasing their debut single "(What's Wrong With) Dreaming?" in mid-1989. The album "Say Something Good" followed a few months later, and in the summer of 1990, the band scored their biggest hit with a cover of The Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreamin'." "This Is the World" followed in late 1991, but the group disbanded shortly after.
Maher then teamed with ex-Bangle Debbi Peterson in the duo Kindred Spirit, releasing a self-titled 1995 LP on Capitol Records. She released a solo album in 2002 called "Immigrant Flower".
Discography
Albums
Say Something Good (1990) UK #23
This Is The World (1991)
Singles
(What's Wrong With) Dreaming? (1989) UK #70
Walking On Ice (1990) UK #62
Carry The Blame/California Dreamin' (1990) UK #13
(What's Wrong With) Dreaming? (reissue) (1990) UK #40
When I Was Young (1991) UK #62
Special Way (1991) UK #44
Standing In The Need Of Love (1992) UK #36
Credit: wikipedia
California Dreamin'
River City People Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the leaves are brown
And the sky is grey
And the sky is grey
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
If I was in L.A.
If I was in L.A.
California dreaming
California dreaming
On such a winter's day
Stopped into 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 likes the cold
Preacher likes the cold
He knows I'm gonna stay
Knows I'm gonna stay
California dreaming
California dreaming
On such a winter's day
All the leaves are brown
All the leaves are brown
And the sky is grey
And the sky is grey
I've been for a walk
I've been for a walk
On a winter's day
On a winter's day
If I didn't tell her
If I didn't tell her
I could leave today
I could leave today
California dreaming
California dreaming
On such a winter's day
California dreaming
On such a winter's day
California dreaming
On such a winter's day
"California Dreamin'" by River City People is a cover of the classic 1965 hit by The Mamas and the Papas. It's a song about yearning for a place where the weather is warm and bright even during a winter's day. The song opens with the repetition of "All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey" which sets the melancholic mood for the rest of the song. The lyrics go on to describe the singer's longing for California and how he/she would be safe and warm if they were in Los Angeles. The second verse describes the singer stopping into a church and pretending to pray. The preacher likes the cold and knows the singer is going to stay. The song ends on a hopeful note where the singer imagines leaving and going to California.
Line by Line Meaning
All the leaves are brown
The leaves of the trees have turned brown indicating the arrival of winter that carries a sense of forbearance.
And the sky is grey
The sky has lost its usual blue colour and is now grey, which is representative of the sombre and dull season of winter.
I've been for a walk
The singer has gone out for a leisurely walk on this season's winter day.
On a winter's day
The setting of the song is a winter's day, which is gloomy and bleak, akin to the artist's emotions.
I'd be safe and warm
The artist would be comfortable, safe, and protected in the heat of Los Angeles if they were there instead of where they were.
If I was in L.A.
The singer would be content and satisfied if they were currently living in Los Angeles where they would be free of the harsh winter condition they are in currently.
California dreaming
The singer is having thoughts of California, indicating their strong desire to be there instead of where they are now.
Stopped into a church
The artist took a break in a church located on their way, probably to experience a sense of peace and serenity.
Well, I got down on my knees
The artist knelt down in prayer, implying they seek outside guidance to escape the gloomy reality around them.
And I pretend to pray
The artist is only pretending to pray, implying they don't have faith in religion to help them out of their current situation.
You know the preacher likes the cold
The preacher is content with the cold, indicating his lifestyle or mindset is contrary to the singers, who hates it.
He knows I'm gonna stay
The preacher knows the artist has no plans to leave the gloomy winter place, fuelled by their California dream.
If I didn't tell her
If the singer didn't disclose his/her desire to leave, he/she could leave without any fear of judgment.
I could leave today
The singer could leave today for his/her California dream, freely and without any apprehension.
California dreaming
The California dream is still alive in the singer's head despite arising from a harsh reality check.
On such a winter's day
The harsh winter day acts as an apt backdrop to the ongoing events of the song and is a crucial component of the artist's desperation to leave.
Contributed by Josiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nickbearhouston
I was the 1st. Assistant Cameraman on this Video and we wrapped at 6.30am after shooting all night. I fell a little bit in love with Siobhan as the night progressed...I worked on so many Promos in those days-most bands I have forgotten, never this one. I actually bought the album I was so impressed with them. They should have gone onto greater heights....
@alexanderanderson6174
Nicholas Houston QQ
@Sunset_Kiss
Is Siobhan the drummer?
@alxwlsh
@@Sunset_Kiss Vocalist
@ConorHorgan
I was the Lighting Camera on this, and it was the first time I'd ever done it which might explain the late shoot! You weren't the only one to fall a bit in love with her...
@tamar5261
Such an underated band
@alanh7854yt
From a time when lyrics had meaning and the music had depth, still beautiful today.
@simondavis3201
My wife loved this band. I was getting out our old albums and came across this. Brought back so many happy memories.
@davidwilson2516
great band who never got the recognition they deserved, along with gun from Glasgow.
@alanwhite7912
David Wilson and many others David...Love & Money, The Big Dish, The Silencers & Goodbye Mr. McKenzie to name a few.