California Dreamin'
The Jacksonians Lyrics
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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
Stopped into a church
I passed along the way
Well, I got down on my knees
And I pretend to pray
You know the preacher like the cold
He knows I'm gonna stay
All the leaves are brown
And the sky is grey
I've been for a walk
On a winter's day
If I didn't tell her
I could leave today
The first verse of The Jacksonians' song California Dreamin' sets a deeply melancholic and reflective tone. The singer observes that all the leaves are brown and the sky is gray, which automatically evokes an image of winter and a dreary, cold day. The singer then shares that they went for a walk on such a day, indicating that they are probably feeling down and in need of some soul searching. The line "I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A" indicates that they long for a place where they feel more comfortable and secure. Los Angeles, known for its warm weather and glamorous lifestyle, is often seen as a dream destination for people looking to escape the harsh realities of their everyday lives.
The refrain of "California dreaming on such a winter's day" is both a lament of their current situation and a wistful expression of hope for a better future. It suggests that the singer's dreams and aspirations are tied to this idealized notion of California, a place where anything is possible.
The second verse describes the singer's visit to a church along the way. They get down on their knees and pretend to pray, suggesting that they are not necessarily religious but are looking for a moment of solace and reflection. The line "you know the preacher likes the cold, he knows I'm gonna stay" may indicate that the singer has found a kindred spirit in the preacher, someone who understands the struggle of dealing with difficult emotions.
Overall, California Dreamin' is a deeply introspective and melancholic song that explores themes of isolation, longing, and the search for meaning in life.
Line by Line Meaning
All the leaves are brown
The leaves of the trees have changed colors during autumn and are now brown and falling down
And the sky is grey
The sky is covered in clouds and is a dull grey color
I've been for a walk
I went out for a leisurely stroll
On a winter's day
It's cold and dreary outside and there's probably snow on the ground
I'd be safe and warm
If I were in Los Angeles, I wouldn't be cold and I would feel secure
If I was in L.A.
If I were in Los Angeles, a warm climate and a sense of security would be guaranteed
California dreaming
Thinking of idyllic, carefree living in California, away from the harsh winter
On such a winter's day
The dreariness of the current winter day is making the thought of sunny California all the more attractive
Stopped into a church
On my walk, I entered a religious building
I passed along the way
The church was on my path during my walk
Well, I got down on my knees
I knelt down to pray in a sign of deference
And I pretend to pray
I was pretending to show devotion or faith in the spiritual realm
You know the preacher like the cold
The religious leader is accustomed to the dreary and cold winter
He knows I'm gonna stay
The preacher assumes that because I'm seeking shelter within the church, I'll probably stick around for a bit
If I didn't tell her
If I didn't express my feelings to my significant other
I could leave today
I am considering leaving my current location and situation, without informing my partner
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN EDMUND ANDREW PHILLIPS, MICHELLE GILLIAM
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