California Girls
The Beach Boys/Musicfire.in Lyrics

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Well East coast girls are hip
I really dig those styles they wear
And the Southern girls with the way they talk
They knock me out when I'm down there

The Mid-West farmer's daughters really make you feel alright
And the Northern girls with the way they kiss
They keep their boyfriends warm at night

I wish they all could be California girls
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California girls

The West coast has the sunshine
And the girls all get so tanned
I dig a french bikini on Hawaiin island dolls
By a palm tree in the sand

I been all around this great big world
And I seen all kinds of girls
Yeah, but I couldn't wait to get back in the States
Back to the cutest girls in the world

I wish they all could be California girls
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California girls

I wish they all could be California girls
I wish they all could be California girls
I wish they all could be California girls
I wish they all could be California girls
I wish they all could be California girls

I wish they all could be California girls
I wish they all could be California girls

Overall Meaning

The Beach Boys' "California Girls" celebrates the beauty and diversity of American women, while also expressing the band's preference for California girls. The lyrics contrast the different styles and characteristics of girls in different parts of the country. Eastern girls are "hip" and stylish, while Southern girls are "knockouts" because of their charming accents. Midwestern girls make you feel good, and Northern girls know how to keep you warm at night with their kisses. Despite enjoying all of these different types of women, the singer of the song still wishes they could all be California girls, probably because of their tans, freewheeling spirit, and laid-back way of life. He even imagines a specific scene with a French bikini and palm trees, which is meant to be a symbol of the relaxed, fun-loving atmosphere of a typical day at the California beach.

One interesting fact about this song is that it was co-written by Mike Love and Brian Wilson, who are cousins. Brian Wilson is considered to be the musical genius behind the sound of the Beach Boys, while Mike Love is known for his catchy lyrics and stage presence. Another fact is that the lyrics were partially inspired by one of Brian Wilson's ex-girlfriends, who was from the East Coast. Interestingly, the song was not originally intended to be a tribute to California girls, but rather a commentary on the different types of women you might encounter while touring around the United States. However, after the group decided to focus on the California aspect of the song, it quickly became a hit.

Line by Line Meaning

Well East coast girls are hip
I really appreciate the styles the girls from the East Coast rock.

I really dig those styles they wear
I love the unique and trendy clothes that they wear.

And the Southern girls with the way they talk
I'm totally charmed by the Southern accent that these girls have.

They knock me out when I'm down there
I am deeply impressed and captivated by their accent.

The Mid-West farmer's daughters really make you feel alright
I'm absolutely comfortable and at ease around girls from the Mid-West, who have a wholesome and welcoming vibe.

And the Northern girls with the way they kiss
I find the way girls from the North kiss to be incredibly romantic.

They keep their boyfriends warm at night
Their affectionate kiss can take away any chill and make their boyfriends feel warm and loved.

I wish they all could be California girls
Despite all the amazing qualities of women from other states, I still have a special fondness for California girls.

The West coast has the sunshine
The West Coast is blessed with abundant sunshine, which is a source of vitality and warmth.

And the girls all get so tanned
The girls here are renowned for their perfectly tanned skin that adds to their charm.

I dig a french bikini on Hawaiin island dolls
I find French-style bikinis on girls from Hawaiian islands quite attractive and appealing.

By a palm tree in the sand
A perfect spot for a Hawaiian island girl wearing a french-style bikini is by a palm tree on sandy beaches.

I been all around this great big world
I've travelled widely and seen a lot of girls worldwide.

And I seen all kinds of girls
I've witnessed the beauty of different kinds of girls from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Yeah, but I couldn't wait to get back in the States
Despite the global travels, I still love coming back to the US.

Back to the cutest girls in the world
I'm enamored by the charm and beauty of American girls, whom I believe are the cutest in the world.

I wish they all could be California girls
Despite all the amazing qualities of women from other states, I still have a special fondness for California girls.