Formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961, the original group comprised singer-musician-composer and bandleader Brian Wilson, his brothers Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Wilson neighbor David Marks appeared on their first four albums and was a member from 1962 to 1963 as a temporary replacement for Jardine, who had left the group to pursue a career in dentistry.
On their first few studio albums, the group primarily played surf music, but this changed after 1964 as their songs became more sophisticated and autobiographical. The 1965 album Today! particularly represented this shift in sound. Bruce Johnston joined the group that same year. Session drummer Hal Blaine is quoted: "We all studied in conservatories; we were trained musicians. We thought it was a fluke at first, but then we realized Brian was writing these incredible songs. This was not just a young kid writing about high school and surfing."
Following their most esteemed work, Pet Sounds (1966), the band became symbols of psychedelic counterculture. The highly anticipated follow-up, Smile, was left unfinished, and Brian soon relinquished his creative hold on the group. A trilogy of lo-fi releases followed: Smiley Smile (1967), Wild Honey (1967), and Friends (1968). Brian would not be credited as a primary composer for any Beach Boys album until 1977's Love You, an album on the fringe of synth-pop, new wave, and punk.
In Brian's absence, the Beach Boys still managed to release music that was regarded favorably by fans and critics despite poor sales: Sunflower (1970) and Surf's Up (1971). South African musicians Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar played and sang with the band on the next two albums: Carl & the Passions - So Tough (1972), and Holland (1973).
Many changes in both musical style and personnel have occurred in their sometimes-stormy career: Brian Wilson's mental illness and drug addiction; the deaths of Dennis Wilson in 1983 and Carl Wilson in 1998; and continuing legal battles among surviving members of the group. With the release of 1974's Endless Summer they became a more popular touring act, playing their greatest hits. They have recorded 36 Billboard Top 40 hits (including four number-one singles), have had over 100 million sales, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Official site: http://www.thebeachboys.com
California Dreamin
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the sky is gray
I've been for a walk
On a winters day
I can save the warmth
If I was in l.a.
California dreamin'
On such a winters day
Stopped into the church
I passed along the way
When I got down on my knees
And I pretend to pray
You know the preacher likes it cold
He knows I'm gonna stay
California dreamin'
On such a winters day
All the leaves are brown
And the sky is gray
I've been for a walk
On a winters day
I can save the warmth
If I was in l.a.
California dreamin'
On such a winters day
California dreamin'
On a such a winters day
The Beach Boys's song "California Dreamin'" is a classic anthem that resonates with many people's dreams of escaping the cold weather and dreary surroundings for the sunny and carefree lifestyle that California promises. The lyrics speak of the singer's desire to be in Los Angeles, where they could escape the cold weather and experience the warmth and vibrancy of the west coast.
The opening lines, "All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray," set the tone for the song, creating a melancholy atmosphere that reflects the singer's mood as they long for California. The line "I've been for a walk on a winter's day" further reinforces the feeling of isolation and sadness that the singer experiences, as they trudge through the cold and dreary landscape.
As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to describe the singer's visit to a church, where they pretend to pray. Here, the preacher is described as liking the cold, which is juxtaposed against the singer's desire for warmth and sunshine. The lyrics suggest that the singer is at a crossroads in their life, torn between the familiarity of the past and the excitement and possibility of the future.
Overall, the song captures a sense of longing and restlessness, as the singer dreams of a better life in California. The use of descriptive imagery and metaphor creates a vivid picture of the struggles and desires that many people experience in their own lives.
Line by Line Meaning
All the leaves are brown
The leaves on the trees have turned brown, indicating that autumn has arrived and winter is quickly approaching.
And the sky is gray
The sky is gray, which indicates that it is cloudy and possibly raining or snowing.
I've been for a walk
The singer has gone for a walk, likely to clear their head or get some exercise.
On a winters day
The walk took place on a cold winter day, which may be affecting the artist's mood.
I can save the warmth
If the artist was in Los Angeles, they would be able to enjoy warmer weather and escape the cold of winter.
If I was in l.a.
The singer is imagining being in Los Angeles, a city known for its warm climate and sunny skies.
California dreamin'
The singer is dreaming about being in California, which represents a better or more desirable place than where they currently are.
On such a winters day
The artist's dream takes place on a cold winter day, which highlights the contrast between their current situation and the idealized version of California they are imagining.
Stopped into the church
The artist has stopped at a church they passed on their walk, possibly seeking solace or refuge from the harsh weather outside.
I passed along the way
The church was located on the route of the artist's walk, making it a convenient spot to stop and rest.
When I got down on my knees
The singer has kneeled, possibly in prayer or deep contemplation.
And I pretend to pray
The artist is not genuinely praying, but may be engaging in the act as a form of self-soothing or meditation.
You know the preacher likes it cold
The singer is aware that the person in charge of the church prefers colder temperatures, which may be why the building is not heated or warm.
He knows I'm gonna stay
The singer plans to remain in the church for a while, likely because it offers some respite from the cold outside.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Edmund Andrew Phillips, Michelle Gilliam Phillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
on Kokomo
This song is an absolute classic and I love the way that it lists all the major destinations in the Caribbean.
Philip Kassabian
on Surfin' U.S.A.
A great song by The Beach Boys hit all the major surfing destinations.
Philip Kassabian
on Catch a Wave
This song really gets you in the mood for surfing.
Philip Kassabian
on Surfer Girl
What a splendid song by The Beach Boys. They really were a great band.
Philip Kassabian
on Wouldn't It Be Nice
One of the greatest Beach Boys songs.
Les lumb
on Surf's Up
Love Good Vibrations ,God Only Knows however this is my fav Beach Boys song
Les lumb
on San Miguel
It captures the mood of the place, very atmospheric
Les lumb
on Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song) [Single Version]
Great version by the Beach Boys it flows
Les lumb
on Break Away
Soothing
Leslie Lumb
on Break Away
Love the opening verses beautiful words