California Dreamin

America

About California Dreamin

"California Dreamin'" is a song written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips and was first recorded by Barry McGuire. However, the best-known version is by the Mamas and the Papas, who sang backup on the original version and released it as a single in 1965. The song is No. 89 in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The lyrics of the song express the narrator's longing for the warmth of Los Angeles during a cold winter in New York City. The song became a signpost of the California Sound, heralding the arrival of the nascent counterculture era. "California Dreamin'" was certified as a Gold Record (single) by the Recording Industry Association of America in June 1966 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. 


Year:
2018
2:49
1,031 
#3

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All the leaves are brown
And the sky is gray
I went 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 stopped into a church
(Stopped into a church)
I passed along the way
(Passed along the way)

You know, I got down on my knees
(Got down on my knees)
And I pretend to pray
(I pretend to pray)

Oh, the preacher likes the cold
(Preacher likes the cold)
He knows I'm gonna stay
(Knows I'm gonna stay)

Oh, California dreamin'
(California dreamin')
On such a winter's day

All the leaves are brown
(The leaves are brown)
And the sky is gray
(And the sky is gray)

I went for a walk
(I went 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)

Oh, California dreamin'
(California dreamin')
On such a winter's day
(California dreamin')
On such a winter's day

(California dreamin')
On such a winter's day
(California dreamin')
On such a winter's day

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America

America is an English-American folk rock band, that originally consisted of Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek. The three members were barely out of their teens, when they became a musical sensation during 1972, scoring No. 1 hits and winning a Grammy for best new musical artist. Their recording success stretched throughout the 1970s; some of the band's best known songs are "A Horse with No Name", "Sister Golden Hair" (both of which reached No. 1), "Ventura Highway", "Tin Man", "Daisy Jane", and "Lonely People". George Martin produced seven of their albums. more »

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Written by: John Edmund Andrew Phillips, Michelle Gilliam Phillips

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Incorrect Attribution
Most folks mistakenly attribute the song "California Dreamin'" to the band America. In reality, the song was originally performed by The Mamas & the Papas in 1965.
Covered by Many Artists
Although John Phillips wrote "California Dreamin'" for The Mamas & the Papas, many artists, including America, have covered the hit song. This has contributed to its widespread fame and the confusion over its original artist.
Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2001, "California Dreamin'" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a feat that truly asserts the song’s undeniable impact on the music industry.
Association with Counter-Culture
The song became a counter-culture anthem and a hit during the 1960s, encapsulating the longing for warm California amidst a dreary winter backdrop.
Song in Movies
"California Dreamin'" was featured in multiple movies over the years, enriching scenes with its gentle folk-pop tune. For instance, the song was used in the movie "San Andreas" (2015), and it was covered by Sia for the film’s soundtrack.
Ranked by Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone magazine ranked "California Dreamin'" at number 89 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004.
Seasonal Inspiration
The lyrics of the song were inspired by a severe case of homesickness. Michelle Phillips and John Phillips wrote the song during a cold night in New York City as they yearned for the warmth of the Californian climate.
Featured in Advertisements
A cover of "California Dreamin'" by The Beach Boys was also utilized in a series of ads by the California Travel and Tourism Commission promoting tourism in the state.

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    "California Dreamin Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 2 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35096092/America/California+Dreamin>.

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