The Wilson sisters and Phillips were friends from childhood, growing up in southern California in the 1970's and 1980's. The three shared a love of music and songwriting, and developed their own style of vocal harmonies. In 1989, producer Glen Ballard and SBK Records signed the trio to a record deal.
Wilson Phillips released their debut album Wilson Phillips in 1990. They shot to fame with their debut single, the # 1 hit "Hold On". The album was a hit, producing three number one singles and selling 10 million copies worldwide.
They released their follow-up album Shadows and Light in 1992. It was much less successful, producing no top ten singles and selling one million copies. Shortly after, the group decided to split up.
During the next decade, the group went their separate ways. Chynna Phillips released a solo album, "Naked and Sacred" in 1995, while the Wilson sisters released a Christmas album in 1993 and an album "The Wilsons" in 1997. Carnie also went on to host her own television talk show, while Phillips married actor William Baldwin. A "Greatest Hits" album was released in 2000, although the group did not officially reunite for this release. Carnie made headlines in 1999 when she underwent gastric bypass surgery live on the internet and lost over 20 dress sizes.
Wilson Phillips reunited in 2004 to release California, an album of cover songs. A single, 'Go Your Own Way,' a remake of the original by Fleetwood Mac, peaked at #13 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The album debuted at #35 on the charts with 31,000 copies sold but due to the lack of promotion the album has yet to reach sales of 100,000 copies. In New Zealand the album was a surprise hit, reaching the top 10 and amassing gold sales following 'Go Your Own Way' topping the adult contemporary radio chart for several weeks.
California Dreamin'
Wilson Phillips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(All the leaves are brown)
And the sky is grey
(And the sky is grey)
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 dreaming
(California dreaming)
On such a winter's day
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 likes the cold
(Preacher likes the cold)
He knows I'm gonna stay
(Knows I'm gonna stay
California dreaming
(California dreaming)
On such a winter's day
All the leaves are brown
(All the leaves are brown)
And the sky is grey
(And the sky is grey)
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 dreaming
(California dreaming)
On such a winter's day
(California dreaming)
On such a winter's day
(California dreaming)
On such a winter's day
The lyrics to Wilson Phillips's song "California Dreamin'" describe the feeling of being in a cold, dreary place and longing for the warmth and sunshine of California. The opening lines "all the leaves are brown and the sky is grey" set the somber tone and imagery of the song. The singer describes going for a walk on a winter's day and wishing she was in Los Angeles where she would be "safe and warm." It's clear that California represents a dreamlike escape from the bleakness of winter.
The second verse describes the singer stopping into a church and pretending to pray. Here, it's revealed that the singer is not alone in her longing for California. The preacher in the church "likes the cold" and knows that the singer is going to stay in California. It's unclear who the singer is referring to in the line "if I didn't tell her, I could leave today," but it's possible that it's a significant other or a friend that she would leave behind if she were able to go to California.
Line by Line Meaning
All the leaves are brown
The leaves of the trees have dried up and turned brown, indicating a fall or winter season
And the sky is grey
The sky is overcast and cloudy, giving a gloomy appearance
I've been for a walk
The singer has taken a walk, perhaps to clear their head or for some exercise
On a winter's day
The walk took place in the winter season, when the weather is usually cold and dreary
I'd be safe and warm
The artist believes they would be secure and comfortable if they were in Los Angeles, a warm climate
If I was in L.A.
The singer wishes to be in Los Angeles, a place associated with sunshine and happiness
California dreaming
The singer imagines a life in California, which seems like an ideal dream or fantasy
Stopped into a church
The artist has made a stop at a church, perhaps in search of solace or guidance
I got down on my knees
The artist has knelt down, indicating a humbleness or a plea for help
And I pretend to pray
The artist is not actually praying, but going through the motions of it
You know the preacher likes the cold
The singer is aware that the preacher at this church is accustomed to chilly weather
He knows I'm gonna stay
The preacher is aware that the artist is not just passing through, but intends to stay for a while
If I didn't tell her
The singer is keeping a secret from someone, making plans to leave without informing them
I could leave today
The singer is considering leaving immediately, without any delay
California dreaming
The singer is still dreaming of living in California, which seems like an ideal place
On such a winter's day
This phrase is repeated to reinforce the dreary and bleak weather that the artist is experiencing, and their longing for a warmer place
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Edmund Andrew Phillips, Michelle Gilliam Phillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carolynbarnes7098
An iconic song! These ladies have made an amazing tribute to their parents. Love it! The harmonies are amazing from the original and now theirs. Thank you ladies..
@bababaysmith
No, they haven´t. I would like to love them but face it. This is horrific. No harmony here, no feeling, even the melody is one heck of a mess. Where´s the talent really? Ears are bleeding, sorry.
@junius4828
Love Wilson Phillips...they got their parents talent...a generation of singers 😊
@bababaysmith
@@normanbydave5796 Yes the talent skipped their generation completely.
@fernandefournier4110
Wilson Philips: so great. The talent from her parents.❤
@terijune3307
I love that these beautiful girls, now a bit older, had to grow up in the middle of such drug laced surroundings, and not only did they survive, they found each other and made a living for themselves singing some wonderfu original songs but were able to sing some oldies for us also with and without a good sound system, having fun always. I love their energy and no one seems bothered between the women... they seem very tight with each other. God bless them and keep them thriving!
@dizie1722
Carnie Wilson holds them low notes down. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
@spirittammyk
She's got a great voice!
@helengallagher4165
I love this song..Thank you Michelle for being the first person to sing this but Chynna is doing you proud..I love you both X X 💛
@angelaacton156
They did a great job live. Not an easy song sing.