California Sun
The Riviera Lyrics
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Where the days are short and the nights are long
Where they walk and I'll walk
They twist and I'll twist
They shimmy and I'll shimmy
They fly and I'll fly
Well, they're out there a-havin' fun
Well, I'm goin' out west out on the coast
Where the California girls are really the most
Where they walk and I'll walk
They twist and I'll twist
They shimmy and I'll shimmy
They fly and I'll fly
Well, they're out there a-havin' fun
In that warm California sun
Well, the girls are frisky in old 'Frisco
A pretty little chick wherever you go
And they'll walk and I'll walk
They'll twist and I'll twist
They'll shimmy and I'll shimmy
They'll fly and I'll fly
Well they're out there a-havin' fun
In that warm California sun
Yeah, they're out there a-havin' fun
In that warm California sun
The Rivieras' hit song "California Sun" is an ode to the carefree, warm lifestyle embraced by Californians in the 1960s. The lyrics describe the singer's desire to head west to California, where the days are short and the nights are long. Touted as a paradise for young people, the song suggests that anything and everything is possible in California- as long as one is willing to walk, twist, shimmy, and fly in the warm California sun.
The first verse of the song reveals the sense of spontaneity associated with California's lifestyle – where anything is possible and people live in the moment. This is a very important aspect of the song, the idea that anyone can be anything in California is what made it so appealing to so many in the 1960s. From there, the rest of the song paints a picture of people having fun on the beach or just enjoying life in the sunlight.
The chorus is the most memorable part of the song which repeatedly states that "they're out there having fun in that warm California sun." It's a celebration of the carefree life, where people can be themselves and enjoy their surroundings - where drinking, partying, and just having fun is a way of life. This song became an anthem for those who sought out the California lifestyle which has since become an image of the American Dream.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm goin' out west where I belong
I'm leaving my current location and heading to the western United States, which feels like the right place for me.
Where the days are short and the nights are long
The time of day in the western United States is different than where I am now.
Where they walk and I'll walk
I'll be able to follow the behavior or actions of the people around me in the West.
They twist and I'll twist
I will participate in the popular dance style called the Twist, which is something many people in the West do.
They shimmy and I'll shimmy
I will move my body in a way similar to how other people in the West are dancing.
They fly and I'll fly
I will engage in the exuberant spirit and energy of the West.
Well, they're out there a-havin' fun
Many people in the West are enjoying themselves in various ways
In that warm California sun
The climate is sunny and pleasant in California.
Well, I'm goin' out west out on the coast
I am heading to California, which is located on the West Coast of the United States.
Where the California girls are really the most
California is a place where the women are particularly beautiful or desirable.
Well, the girls are frisky in old 'Frisco
Women in San Francisco are lively and playful.
A pretty little chick wherever you go
There are attractive women in many different parts of California.
And they'll walk and I'll walk
I will follow the lead of the Californians and engage in similar activities.
They'll twist and I'll twist
I will do my best to dance the Twist, just like people in the West do.
They'll shimmy and I'll shimmy
I will move my body rhythmically in a style similar to others in California.
They'll fly and I'll fly
I will participate in the high-energy and enthusiastic atmosphere of California.
Yeah, they're out there a-havin' fun
Many Californians are enjoying themselves and having a good time.
In that warm California sun
The warm and pleasant climate is a key factor in the enjoyable lifestyle of California.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Henry Glover, Morris Levy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@markmccammon266
This is a very good surf song by an obscure group who really captured the fun times of my youth. I am 78 and still a fan of this record.
@staceywilson7023
My Daddy and fluid high school friends doing what they did best. I live in his childhood home today Where He and the rest of the Rivieras used to practice in my garage. Back in those days the neighbors used to bring their lawn chairs and sit in the driveway and in my front yard to listen to the band practice. Sadly we lost my Daddy, Marty Fortson the Lead Singer of the Rivieras in 2012, however his song lives on. Live bands here in town still play it, you'll hear on the radio, the cable music stations or in many local retail stores. So proud of my Daddy and his buddies for leaving this legacy to us kids. Miss you Daddy
@scwylder
The band was written up in the South Bend Tribune for "One Hit Wonder Day" Saturday, September 25, 2021. Sorry to hear about your dad. According to the article, all the band members were students at South Bend Central High, except for the drummer, who was at South Bend Washington. The California Sound from Northern Indiana!
@undirishfr
South Bend, Indiana
@robertperry1293
I’m glad you have some great memories and shared some with us.
Born and raised (and still living here) in San Diego, loved this song about California.
And it still rocks!’
@oldermusiclover
@@scwylder luckyyou
@johngibson8237
Hi stacey, i replaced doug when he retired, then when the band got back together i replaced him again when he took another break, in the 80's working along side your dad. Your dad was a great person and treated everyone he came in contact with as his best friend, very likeable and socialable. P.S. great singer he made the band
@dylans8875
My uncle is the bass guitarist in this and this song always makes me think of him
@trukeesey8715
John Swoveland. Doug Gean.
@jim2376
Cool. 👍