California Über Alles
Dead Kennedys
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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
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
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.
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Political CommentaryThe song is a biting commentary on California politics, specifically a sarcastic reaction towards the then Governor Jerry Brown's liberal policies.
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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.
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Unique SoundDead 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.
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Cultural ImpactThe 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.
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LyricsThe 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.
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Album Inclusion"California Über Alles" was re-recorded for the band's first album, "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables," released in 1980.
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Chart SuccessThe 1980 version reached number 4 in the UK Indie Chart.
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Follow-UpsThe song was followed up by "We've Got A Bigger Problem Now," a song which laments the election of Ronald Reagan.
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Contemporary RelevanceDead Kennedys have continued to rework the song, attacking subsequent politicians, demonstrating its enduring relevance.
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InfluentialThe song has been described by music and culture journal 'The Quietus' as "the beginning of American hardcore."
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Live Performances"California Über Alles" was frequently performed at Dead Kennedys concerts, and continues to be a fan-favorite.
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Music VideoThe 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.
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LegacyToday, "California Über Alles" is regarded as a classic punk rock anthem, representing the politically-charged, aggressive style of Dead Kennedys.
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