Born in 1978 and raised in the sketchy Ashburn district of South Chicago, Benn Jordan began playing jazz-influenced guitar before reaching the age of attending school. Without any proper musical training, his awkward style of inverted guitar playing and composition knew few restrictions and eventually panned out into full blown albums recorded on tape machines in his bedroom in the mid 1990’s. Being a one man band, Jordan grew quite fond of electronic instruments, which for a period of a few years dominated his compositions as he gained worldwide notoriety as an avant-garde electronic musician using the name “The Flashbulb”.
In more recent years (and 30-something album releases later), Jordan has focused his efforts on writing more cinematic pieces and using an instrumental style closer to his roots. On the other side of releasing music and touring, Jordan has become a sought after film and television composer, most notably writing for Dove’s viral “Evolution” campaign, and branding trademark melodies for companies such as General Mills and Toyota. These two worlds have merged in his hugely successful album “Soundtrack To A Vacant Life”, which is one of the first albums in the genre of cinematic music to receive mainstream attention without being attached to a feature film.
California Dreaming
The Flashbulb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the sky is grey
I've been for a walk
On a winter's day
I'd be safe and warm
If I was in L.A.
California dreaming
On such a winter's day
Walked into a church
I passed along the way
Well, I got down on my knees
And I began to pray
You know the preacher likes the cold
He knows I'm gonna stay
California dreaming
On such a winter's day
The Flashbulb's California Dreaming song is a cover of an older song that was originally performed by the Mamas & Papas. The song starts by describing the dull winter countryside painted in shades of grey and brown covered in dead leaves. The singer is walking around and wishing to be in LA where it's warmer and safer. The lyrics "I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A." could be interpreted as a comment on the dangerous social climate or political unrest happening elsewhere in the country. The singer then imagines himself as a happy and carefree individual in California.
As he walks, he comes across a church and decides to go in. He falls to his knees and begins to pray. The lyrics, "Well, I got down on my knees, and I began to pray" hint at a moment of desperation, perhaps a cry for help that the singer seeks from a higher power. He then comments that the preacher likes the cold but knows that he won't leave, again emphasizing his desire to be in California where the weather is warmer and where he feels more at home.
The song could be interpreted in different ways, one of which is that California represents a sunny, carefree lifestyle that the singer desires. It is a place where he hopes to escape from his current circumstances, which could be anything from social problems, mental health issues or even a more literal interpretation of the harsh winter climate. Overall, the song speaks to the desire for a better life in a warm, sunny place.
Line by Line Meaning
All the leaves are brown
The autumn season is in full swing
And the sky is grey
The usual bright and clear blue sky has given way to overcast weather
I've been for a walk
Taking a stroll outside
On a winter's day
During this season when it's cold outside
I'd be safe and warm
I would feel more comfortable and secure if I was in a different place (L.A. in this case)
If I was in L.A.
Being in Los Angeles would provide a more favorable climate and environment
California dreaming
Fantasizing about living in California
On such a winter's day
Considering this dream in the dead of winter
Walked into a church
Entered a religious structure
I passed along the way
The church happened to be on my route
Well, I got down on my knees
I knelt in prayer
And I began to pray
Engaged in a conversation with a higher power
You know the preacher likes the cold
The clergy member who serves in the church is accustomed to chilly weather
He knows I'm gonna stay
The singer will remain in this northern environment despite the inconvenience
California dreaming
Longing for a better life in California
On such a winter's day
Especially when it's bitter cold and depressing outside
Contributed by Violet J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
kem1kal
he did it totally legit with this album... paid for the rights and everything. he really put everything he had into kirlian selections and it shows, brilliant album
See Chao
Beautiful remix, gorgeous bass... I think my subwooffer is purring.
Angelina Lina
I love this cover.
libeppi
02:08 is pure magic
huldrabuldra
best remix of this song ever!
karma coma
now that is what i called a good piece of music! repekta
MiNi Blocksberg
mindblowing.....
Toxicin2
this piano is awesome...
Victor Andersen
great great mixed.. great artist, and a great number.. probss.
blackbolt123456789
Fucking art.