California
Joni Mitchell
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Sitting in a park in Paris, France Reading the news and it sure looks bad They won't give peace a chance That was just a dream some of us had Still a lot of land to see But I wouldn't stay here It's too old and cold and settled in its ways here. Oh, but California California, I'm coming home I'm going to see the folks I dig I'll even kiss a sunset pig California, I'm coming home. I met a redneck on a Grecian isle Who did the goat dance very well He gave me back my smile But he kept my camera to sell Oh the rogue, the red red rogue He cooked good omelets and stews And I might have stayed on with him there But my heart cried out for you, California Oh California, I'm coming home Oh make me feel good rock'n roll band I'm your biggest fan California, I'm coming home Oh it gets so lonely When you're walking And the streets are full of strangers All the news of home you read Just gives you the blues Just gives you the blues So I bought me a ticket I got on a plane to Spain Went to a party down a red dirt road There were lots of pretty people there Reading Rolling Stone, reading Vogue They said, How long can you hang around? I said a week, maybe two Just until my skin turns brown Then I'm going home to California California, I'm coming home Oh will you take me as I am Strung out on another man California, I'm coming home Oh it gets so lonely When you're walking And the streets are full of strangers All the news of home you read More about the war And the bloody changes Oh will you take me as I am? Will you take me as I am? Will you? Will you take me as I am? Take me as I am
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Joni Mitchell
Lyrics © Crazy Crow Music / Siquomb Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
9 facts about this song
Song Background"California" is a song written and performed by the renowned Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. The song features on her 1971 album, "Blue," which is widely regarded as one of the best records of all time.
|
LyricsThe song's lyrics represent a longing for home and comfort, with California being a metaphor for these feelings. Mitchell wrote the song during a period of homesickness when she was traveling abroad.
|
Musical Style"California" is representative of Mitchell's folk-music roots, featuring her vocals alongside an acoustic guitar and a dulcimer - an instrument she played frequently during this phase of her career.
|
Release and ReceptionUpon its release, the song gained significant attention and popularity due to Mitchell's heartfelt performance and the strong connection listeners felt to the lyrics. It remains one of her most popular songs.
|
Influence and Cultural ImpactDue to its evocative description of California, the song is often associated with the romantic image of the state in popular culture. It's also been covered by other artists including musicians like David Crosby, Frank Ocean, and James Taylor.
|
Awards and AchievementsWhile "California" itself didn't win any awards, the album it came from, "Blue", was certified double platinum by the RIAA and ranked #30 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
|
References in Other MediaThe song has been used in several films and television shows, including the Hollywood film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," and the popular television series, "This Is Us."
|
Live PerformancesJoni Mitchell performed “California” during her iconic concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1970, and it continues to be a crowd favorite during live performances.
|
LegacyTime and again, “California” has cemented Mitchell's place in music history as one of the most influential female singer-songwriters of all time. It’s considered a classic track that defined her honest and introspective songwriting style.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"California Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28051870/Joni+Mitchell/California>.
Discuss the California Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In