The song is #89 in Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
California Dreamin
The Mamas & the Papas Lyrics
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And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm)
If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)
California dreamin' (California dreamin')
Stopped into a church
I passed along the way
Well, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)
And I pretend to pray (I pretend to pray)
You know the preacher like the cold (preacher like the cold)
He knows I'm gonna stay (knows I'm gonna stay)
California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day
All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
If I didn't tell her (if I didn't tell her)
I could leave today (I could leave today)
California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day
The Mamas & the Papas's song California Dreamin' is an iconic song that evokes the feeling of yearning for a better life and a longing for a time and place that seems unattainable. The opening lines of the song sets the mood perfectly, "All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey". The lyrics describe an individual who is seeking to escape the harsh realities of life by dreaming of a better existence in California where things seem more peaceful and less complicated. The line "I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A." shows the individual's desire for safety and security.
The second verse reveals the singer's loneliness and the feeling of being lost as they seek refuge in a local church. However, they are not seeking solace from a higher being but rather from the harsh reality of their own existence. The line "I pretend to pray" shows that the singer is not seeking actual comfort but rather a way to escape their own reality. They mention how the preacher seems to understand that feeling of coldness and loneliness, perhaps indicating that the preacher has also experienced similar feelings.
The final verse expresses a desire to escape the present reality and head to California, where life appears simpler and filled with opportunities. The singer is dreaming of California, where everything will be better, and they can escape the bleak winter's day. The repetition of the phrase "California Dreamin'" highlights the intensity of this desire, which seems almost obsessive.
Line by Line Meaning
All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
The leaves of the trees have changed colors and are now brown, indicating it's autumn.
And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey)
The sky is overcast and grey, indicating that it might rain or snow soon.
I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
The singer has taken a walk, possibly to clear their head or get some exercise.
On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
The walk took place on a cold and possibly snowy day in the winter season.
I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm)
The singer would feel secure and comfortable if they were in a warmer place, perhaps like Los Angeles, which has a more temperate climate.
If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)
The singer is imagining being in Los Angeles, which has a reputation for being warm and sunny even in the winter months.
California dreamin' (California dreamin')
The singer is fantasizing about a life in California, with its warm weather and easygoing lifestyle.
On such a winter's day
This line is a repetition of the previous chorus, emphasizing the singer's desire to escape the cold weather and find warmth in California.
Stopped into a church
The singer has made a detour into a church, perhaps seeking some solace or guidance.
I passed along the way
The church was on the singer's route, and they saw it while walking.
Well, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)
The singer is showing reverence or piety by kneeling in the church.
And I pretend to pray (I pretend to pray)
Despite their physical posture, the singer is not actually praying, suggesting a lack of faith or spiritual connection.
You know the preacher like the cold (preacher like the cold)
The singer assumes that the preacher is accustomed to and unfazed by the cold weather, as they are likely a resident of the area.
He knows I'm gonna stay (knows I'm gonna stay)
The singer suggests that the preacher can sense their restlessness and desire to leave the area for warmer pastures.
If I didn't tell her (if I didn't tell her)
The singer is referring to a woman (possibly a romantic partner) whom they haven't informed of their desire to leave the area.
I could leave today (I could leave today)
The singer is indicating that they have the means and desire to leave the area immediately if they chose to, but they may not be ready to depart just yet.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Edmund Andrew Phillips, Michelle Gilliam Phillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@FolkExperience
Enjoy this vintage Spring music mix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-iksA5NRao 🌻
@GermansRuinedWT
This is one of those rare times where I caught a comment early
@apollo4suns494
@@GermansRuinedWT indeed
@dianebrown6686
Must be smoking to much
@GGJordanFanatic
You should check out Angelina Jordan's cover and arrangement of this song and thank me later.
@fragglepuppies
True stereo
@giorgi222
This song makes me feel so weird, sad, nostalgic and happy at the same time, it’s confusing but I love it
@esmelivin1876
Omg same
@oAldanitao
I swear I feel the same
@ralphy140579
Same! 🙋🏻♂️✌️