California Dreamin
America
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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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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 AttributionMost 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.
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Covered by Many ArtistsAlthough 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.
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Grammy Hall of FameIn 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.
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Association with Counter-CultureThe song became a counter-culture anthem and a hit during the 1960s, encapsulating the longing for warm California amidst a dreary winter backdrop.
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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.
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Ranked by Rolling StoneRolling Stone magazine ranked "California Dreamin'" at number 89 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004.
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Seasonal InspirationThe 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.
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Featured in AdvertisementsA 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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Citation
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"California Dreamin Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35096092/America/California+Dreamin>.
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