California
Wilson Phillips Lyrics

Sitting in a park in Paris, France
Starting with a reflection on a faraway place in Europe.

Reading the news and it sure looks bad
Being fed up with the negativity that is constantly in the news.

They won't give peace a chance
Feeling like the majority of people are not willing to give peace a chance.

That was just a dream some of us had
Realizing that the vision of peace and unity was only a dream that will not come to fruition.

Still a lot are left to see
Acknowledging that there is still much to be learned and experienced.

But I wouldn't want to stay here
Feeling disillusioned with Europe and not wanting to stay in Paris anymore.

It's too old and cold and settled in its ways here
Feeling like Europe is stuck in its old ways and not receptive to change.

Oh, but California
Having hope and excitement for returning to California, a place that feels more free and open.

California I'm coming home
Expressing the desire to go back to a place that feels like home.

I'm going to see the folks I dig
Looking forward to seeing the people who are important and loved.

I'll even kiss a sunset pig
Expressing a lighthearted sense of humor and appreciation for the unique sights in California.

I met a redneck on a Grecian isle
Recalling a memory of meeting someone unexpected on vacation.

Who did the goat dance very well
Noticing and appreciating the quirks and talents of someone unique.

He gave me back my smile
Feeling grateful for the unexpected joy that this person brought into their life.

But he kept my camera to sell
Remembering that the person was not perfect and had some flaws that were inconvenient.

Oh the rogue, the red red rogue
Recounting the amusing character of the person and how they had some rogue qualities.

He cooked good omelettes and stews
Appreciating the person's cooking skills, which were a delightful surprise.

And I might have stayed on with him there
Considering the possibility of staying longer in Europe with this person.

But my heart cried out for you, California
Feeling torn between leaving a good situation and longing to go back to the place that truly feels like home.

Oh make me feel good rock 'n roll band
Expressing a desire for music that makes them feel good and alive.

I'm your biggest fan
Admiring and appreciating rock 'n roll music and the artists who make it.

Oh it gets so lonely
Feeling isolated and disconnected while traveling alone in a foreign country.

When you're walking
Feeling lonely while walking through unfamiliar streets.

And the streets are full of strangers
Feeling overwhelmed and surrounded by too many unfamiliar people.

All the news of home you read
Feeling homesick and missing the familiarity of home.

Just gives you the blues
Feeling down and depressed from all the news and memories of home.

So I bought me a ticket
Making the decision to go back to California.

I caught a plane to Spain
Traveling to Spain to start the journey back to California.

Went to a party down a red dirt road
Experiencing the uniqueness of California and its party culture.

There were lots of pretty people there
Noticing the attractive people and carefree lifestyle in California.

Reading rolling stone, reading vogue
Looking at popular magazines and being immersed in California culture.

They said, how long can you hang around?
Being asked by others how long they plan to stay in California.

I said a week, maybe two,
Not sure how long they want to stay but knowing it won't be a permanent stay.

Just until my skin turns brown
Indicating that their time in California will end once they have enjoyed enough sunshine and warmth.

Then I'm going home to California
Confirming that California is truly their home and where they feel the most comfortable and free.

Will you take me as I am
Asking if others in California will accept them and love them for who they are.

Strung out on another man
Admitting that they may have had a fling or some attachment to someone else before returning to California.

California I'm coming home
Repeatedly expressing the excitement and anticipation of going back to California.