California, Here I Come
Al Jolson
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When the wintry winds are blowing and the snow is starting in to fall, then my eyes turn west-ward, knowing that's the place I love the best of all. California , I've been blue, since I've been away from you. I can't wait 'til I get going. Even now I'm starting in to call, Oh California, here I come right back where I started from. Where Bowers of flowers bloom in the sun. Each morning at dawning, birdies sing an' everything. A sunkist miss said, "Don't be late" that's why I can hardly wait. Open up that Golden Gate, California here I come. Any one who likes to wander ought to keep this saying in his mind, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" of the good old place you leave behind. When you've hit the train awhile, seems you rarely see a smile; that's why I must fly out yonder, where a frown is mighty hard to find! Oh California, here I come right back where I started from. Where Bowers of flowers bloom in the sun. Each morning at dawning, birdies sing an' everything. A sunkist miss said, "Don't be late" that's why I can hardly wait. Open up that Golden Gate. California here I come.
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Written by: AL JOLSON, B. G. DESYLVA, JOSEPH MEYER
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
9 facts about this song
Composition"California, Here I Come" is a song which was written for the 1921 Broadway musical "Bombo." The music was composed by Joseph Meyer and the lyrics were written by Buddy DeSylva and Al Jolson.
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PopularityThe song became famous when it was performed by Al Jolson, who is also one of the co-writers of the song. It was a major hit and is considered one of his signature songs.
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Recording HistoryAl Jolson first recorded "California, Here I Come" in 1924 for Brunswick Records. The song became a staple in his performances, and he recorded it several times throughout his career.
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Song MeaningThe song talks about the allure of California. It's about longing for the west coast state and the brighter life perceived to be there. The lyrics express an anticipation of returning to California, known for its sunshine, after being away.
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Impact"California, Here I Come" was so influential that it has since been covered by numerous artists, including Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, and Rufus Wainwright. It's often associated with the Golden Age of Hollywood and has appeared in multiple films and TV shows.
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State SymbolAlthough it's not an official state song, "California, Here I Come" is often played at events and ceremonies in California due to its love and admiration for the state.
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Cultural SignificanceThe song has also been used in a variety of cultural contexts, including in cartoons like Looney Tunes, where characters such as Bugs Bunny have sung it, and in the episode of "Friends" where the character Ross sung it at a karaoke.
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Historical FactThe song was also played as Al Jolson's theme song on old-time radio shows like Kraft Music Hall and The Jolson Story, further cementing its place in 20th-century pop culture.
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Noteworthy VersionAl Jolson's recording of "California, Here I Come" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2005, a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least 25 years old, and that have "qualitative or historical significance."
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"California, Here I Come Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/20948928/Al+Jolson/California%2C+Here+I+Come>.
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