The term Various Artists is used in the record industry when numerous singers and musicians collaborate on a song or collection of songs. Most often on Last.fm, compilation album tracks appear under the name of Various Artists erroneously because the individual artist is not listed in the album's ID3 information.
Compilation albums, for example.
Sometimes, single releases may be credited to Various Artists when their profits are going to charity and, usually in high-profile cases, are sometimes known by a group name. Examples include Band Aid with their releases of Do They Know It's Christmas? and USA for Africa with We Are The World.
Various Artists is also an actual performance name for Torsten Pröfrock, who runs the German DIN label. Torsten performs also as Dynamo, Erosion, Resilent, Traktor besides some others. He's a good friend of Robert Henke and since the Fall of 2004, he is a member of Monolake.
Various Artists was also a short-lived Bristol punk band formed by brothers Jonjo and Robin Key (originally from Birmingham). Other members were also simultaneously in Art Objects who went on to become The Blue Aeroplanes, the latter the Key brothers also co-wrote some songs and were involved in. When Various Artists imploded, the Key brothers went on to form Either / Or.
Various Artists also appear on tracks from musical theater soundtracks, due to the nature of having many cast members on one song, as well as an ensemble in some cases.
California Dreaming
Various Artists 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 Dreamin'
on such a winter's day
I passed along the way
well, I got down on my knees
and I pretend to pray
you know the preacher likes the cold
he knows I'm gonna stay
California Dreamin'
on such a winter's day
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
California Dreamin'
on such a winter's day x3
The song "California Dreaming" is a classic by Various Artists that captures the longing and yearning for something more exciting and fulfilling. The beginning of the song starts with the lyrics, "all the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey." These lines refer to the cold, dreary winter season and the lack of warmth and color it provides. The singer goes on to state that they have been for a walk on a winter day and that they would be safe and warm if they were in Los Angeles (L.A) rather than wherever they currently are.
The chorus contains the iconic phrase the song is known for, "California Dreamin' on such a winter's day." This line signifies the singer's desire to be in California, where they can escape the cold and live their dreams. The second verse describes the singer stopping at a church along the way and pretending to pray. The final lines of the verse state that the singer knows the preacher likes the cold, and they plan to stay in California rather than returning to the cold elsewhere.
The final chorus repeats the same lines as the first chorus, making it clear that the singer's dream of being in California persists even as the song ends. Overall, "California Dreaming" is a song that captures the universal human yearning for something more, brighter, and better.
Line by Line Meaning
all the leaves are brown
The autumn season has arrived and the color of the leaves has changed from green to brown.
and the sky is grey
The sky is cloudy and overcast, possibly indicating an upcoming rain or snowfall.
I've been for a walk
The singer has taken a walk outside, likely to enjoy the scenery and fresh air.
on a winter's day
The walk took place during the season of winter, when temperatures are colder and snow is possible.
I'd be safe and warm
The artist would feel protected from the cold weather if they were in the city of Los Angeles.
if I was in L.A
The singer would be more comfortable in Los Angeles due to the warmer climate and less extreme winter weather.
California Dreamin'
The singer is daydreaming or fantasizing about living in California, possibly as a way to escape the current discomfort.
on such a winter's day
The daydreaming about California takes place during the cold winter season, when the artist is likely feeling the least content with their current situation.
stopped into a church
The artist has entered a church, possibly for refuge or to find a moment of peace and contemplation.
I passed along the way
The church was on the artist's route, likely just a detour from the walk they were taking.
well, I got down on my knees
The singer has kneeled, possibly in prayer or reflection.
and I pretend to pray
Despite being in a church, the artist is not actually praying and is instead only pretending to do so.
you know the preacher likes the cold
The singer assumes that the preacher enjoys colder weather, possibly for religious reasons or personal preference.
he knows I'm gonna stay
The preacher is aware that the singer will remain in the area, likely indicating that the singer plans to stay in the church for some time or perhaps plans to settle in the area.
if I didn't tell her
If the singer had not shared their desire to leave with another person, they may have already left their current location.
I could leave today
The artist is considering leaving their current location in favor of California, possibly to pursue their dreams or seek a better life.
California Dreamin'
The artist's desire and longing for California continues, indicating a deep-seated desire for change and a better life.
on such a winter's day x3
The repetition of the phrase indicates the continued presence of the singer's daydreams and desires, even as they continue to face the challenges of the winter season.
Contributed by Kylie J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.