California Über Alles

Dead Kennedys

About California Über Alles

"California Über Alles" is a song by Dead Kennedys. The single, which was the group's first recording, was released in June 1979 on the Optional Music label, with "The Man with the Dogs" appearing as its B-side. The title track was re-recorded in 1980 for the band's first album, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, and the original recording as well as the B-side were later included on the 1987 compilation Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death.


Year:
1980
3:03
219 
#3

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I am Governor Jerry Brown
My aura smiles and never frowns
Soon I will be president

Carter power will soon go 'way
I will be Führer one day
I will command all of you
Your kids will meditate in school 
Your kids will meditate in school

California Über Alles
California Über Alles
Über Alles California 
Über Alles California 

Zen fascists will control you
Hundred percent natural
You will jog for the master race
And always wear the happy face
Close your eyes, can't happen here
Big Bro' on white horse is near
The hippies won't come back, you say
Mellow out or you will pay 
Mellow out or you will pay 

California Über Alles
California Über Alles
Über Alles California 
Über Alles California

Now it is nineteen eighty-four
Knock-knock at your front door
It's the suede denim secret police
They have come for your uncool niece 

Come quietly to the camp
You'd look nice as a drawstring lamp
Don't you worry, it's only a shower
For your clothes, here's a pretty flower 

Die on organic poison gas
Serpent's egg's already hatched
You will croak, you little clown
When you mess with President Brown 
When you mess with President Brown 

California Über Alles
California Über Alles
Über Alles California 
Über Alles California

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Dead Kennedys

Dead Kennedys are an American hardcore punk band formed in San Francisco, California in 1978. The band became part of the American hardcore punk movement of the early 1980s. They gained a large underground fanbase in the international punk rock community, and were one of the first American hardcore bands to make a significant impact in the United Kingdom. more »

1 fan

Written by: Eric Reed Boucher, Raymond John Pepperelle, Geoffrey Lyall, Darren Henley, John Leonard Greenway, Michael Franti

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Song Origin
"California Über Alles" was the first recording of American punk rock band Dead Kennedys. It was initially released as their debut single in June 1979.
Political Commentary
The song is a biting commentary on California politics, specifically a sarcastic reaction towards the then Governor Jerry Brown's liberal policies.
Song Title
"California Über Alles" means "California Above All" in German. It is a play on the phrase "Deutschland Über Alles," which was used in the national anthem of Germany during the Nazi era.
Unique Sound
Dead Kennedys are noted for the unique sound of "California Über Alles," which mixed surf rock, punk rock, and rockabilly, setting them apart from most punk bands in the late 70s.
Cultural Impact
The song is typically recognized as one of the defining works of the American hardcore punk movement, and it has been covered by various bands including The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and Nine Inch Nails.
Lyrics
The lyrics fantasize a dystopian California where hippie culture has been made mandatory. It's a satirical look at what the band perceived as Governor Brown's totalitarian tendencies.
Album Inclusion
"California Über Alles" was re-recorded for the band's first album, "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables," released in 1980.
Chart Success
The 1980 version reached number 4 in the UK Indie Chart.
Follow-Ups
The song was followed up by "We've Got A Bigger Problem Now," a song which laments the election of Ronald Reagan.
Contemporary Relevance
Dead Kennedys have continued to rework the song, attacking subsequent politicians, demonstrating its enduring relevance.
Influential
The song has been described by music and culture journal 'The Quietus' as "the beginning of American hardcore."
Live Performances
"California Über Alles" was frequently performed at Dead Kennedys concerts, and continues to be a fan-favorite.
Music Video
The music video for "California Über Alles," released in 1980, was one of the first produced by an independent punk band. It added further notoriety and visibility to the band.
Legacy
Today, "California Über Alles" is regarded as a classic punk rock anthem, representing the politically-charged, aggressive style of Dead Kennedys.

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