South California Purples

Chicago

About South California Purples

"South California Purples" is a song written and sung by Robert Lamm for the rock band Chicago and recorded for their debut album Chicago Transit Authority (1969). The song quotes the opening line from The Beatles' "I Am the Walrus:" "I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together."A live version appears on 1971's Chicago at Carnegie Hall, lasting over fifteen minutes.


Year:
1969
6:11
94 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Cloudy every morning
Sun don't never shine
Cloudy every morning
Sun don't ever shine
Since I lost my baby
I been losing my mind
I thought this was a warm place
I must be in the wrong place
Thought this was a warm place
I must be in the wrong place
And I don't know where I'm going
Since my lover left me
Never no smile on my face
I am he is you are he is you are me and we are all together
Buddy, this ain't L.A.
I've traveled such a long way
Buddy, this ain't L.A.
I've traveled such a long way
And I still don't know where I'm going
But without my baby here
I better not stay
I better not stay

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Chicago

Chicago (i/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ or /ʃɪˈkɔːɡoʊ/) is a rock band from the city of the same name. They were originally founded as Chicago Transit Authority before shortening their name before their breakout second album. They became known for their use of horns in their songs such as 25 or 6 to 4. The band nearly split following founding member Terry Kaths death but they decided to stay together. They became known for their rock ballads throughout the 80s. The band still tours to this day. more »

14 fans

Written by: ROBERT WILLIAM LAMM

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

SONG CREATION
"South California Purples" is a track by the band "Chicago." This song is from their debut album called "The Chicago Transit Authority," released in 1969.
GENRE
The song falls under the genres of jazz fusion, progressive rock, and pop, showcasing the band's versatility and ability to blend different musical styles.
LYRICAL ELEMENTS
The song's title, "South California Purples," indicates it as a reference to the sunsets and the natural beauty of Southern California. This highlights the band's knack for imbuing their songs with a sense of imagery and locale.
INSTRUMENTATION
In terms of instrumentation, the song showcases a solid guitar and organ parts, significant horn lines, and a bluesy feel, which were defining characteristics of "Chicago" in their early days.
SINGER
The song is sung by the band's vocalists Robert Lamm and Terry Kath. Robert Lamm, a key member of the band, is known for his songwriting ability and distinctive lead vocals.
PERFORMANCE
"South California Purples" has been performed live numerous times, particularly during the band's initial years. The song is often praised for its energy and strong musical arrangements during these live performances.
SONG LENGTH
As traditional for many progressive rock bands, the song's length is significantly longer than typical pop or rock songs of the time, coming in at over 6 minutes in length.
RECEPTION
Many fans and critics consider "South California Purples" to be a standout track from Chicago's debut album, notable for its innovative fusion of jazz, rock, and pop sounds.
LEGACY
Despite not being released as a single, "South California Purples" has maintained a lasting legacy among fans due to its memorable melody and instrumentation.
CULTURAL CONTEXT
The song captures the mood of late 1960s in California, defined by a combination of relaxed and innovative atmosphere, tying in with the major cultural shifts occurring during this time period.

Discuss the South California Purples Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "South California Purples Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 17 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26556140/Chicago/South+California+Purples>.

    Missing lyrics by Chicago?

    Know any other songs by Chicago? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    South California Purples

    286.6K
    2,794     320

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who sang "Cups"?
    A Taylor Swift
    B Imagine Dragons
    C Cups
    D Anna Kendrick

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Chicago's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Chicago tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!