The song "California Girls" is part of the The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list. In 2004, it was ranked #71 on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
California Girls
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 Midwest 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 Hawaiian 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
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California girls
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California girls
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California girls
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California girls
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California girls
(Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the)
The Beach Boys' famous song "California Girls" is a celebration of the girls from different regions in America and how they each have their unique charm. The song starts by praising the East Coast girls for their hip styles and moves to the Southern girls with the way they talk - not to mention how they knock the singer out. Then come the Midwest farmer's daughters who make one feel all right, and the Northern girls with their warm boyfriend-keeping kisses. However, in the chorus, the singer wishes they all could be California girls. He thinks they are the cutest girls in the world and attributes this to the sunshine on the West Coast and how it gives them all great tans. The mention of French bikinis and palm tree sand dolls tops up the fantasy.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, East coast girls are hip
I find East coast girls fashionable and cool.
I really dig those styles they wear
I like the clothing choices of East coast girls.
And the Southern girls with the way they talk
The Southern accent of girls is captivating.
They knock me out when I'm down there
I'm impressed by the Southern girls.
The Midwest farmer's daughters really make you feel alright
Girls from the Midwest seem approachable and friendly.
And the Northern girls with the way they kiss
The kissing style of Northern girls is special.
They keep their boyfriends warm at night
Northern girls show affection and keep their partners comfortable.
I wish they all could be California (girls)
I wish every girl could be like California girls.
I wish they all could be California
I yearn for all girls to have the attributes of California.
The West coast has the sunshine
The West coast has a pleasant and warm climate.
And the girls all get so tanned
Girls from the West coast have a sun-kissed complexion.
I dig a French bikini on Hawaiian island
I enjoy seeing women in a French bikini on a Hawaiian beach.
Dolls by a palm tree in the sand
It's charming to see women relaxing by palm trees on the beach.
I been all around this great big world
I have traveled extensively.
And I seen all kinds of girls
I have encountered diverse types of women.
Yeah, but I couldn't wait to get back in the States
I was eager to return home to the US.
Back to the cutest girls in the world
The girls in California are the most attractive.
I wish they all could be California girls
I want all girls to embody the qualities of California girls.
Girls, girls, girls, yeah I dig the
I really adore girls.
I wish they all could be California girls
I desire the attributes of California girls in all women.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brian Douglas Wilson, Michael Edward Love
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