About the song
“California Dreamin'” is a song by The Mamas & The Papas, released in 1965. Written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips, the song captures the longing for warmth and sunshine during a cold winter’s day.
The lyrics describe the narrator’s wistful yearning to leave the cold, gray winter of the East Coast and return to the warmth and sunshine of California. The vivid imagery of leaves turning brown and the sky being gray contrasts sharply with the dream of the golden state, reflecting a deep sense of homesickness and desire for a better, more pleasant place.
With its rich harmonies, haunting flute solo, and evocative lyrics, “California Dreamin'” became an anthem of the 1960s counterculture and a defining song of the folk rock era. Its timeless appeal has ensured its status as a classic, continuing to resonate with listeners who dream of escape and the promise of sunnier days.
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Lyric
All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been for a walk)On a winter’s day (on a winter’s day)I’d be safe and warm (I’d be safe and warm)If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)California dreamin’ (California dreamin’)On such a winter’s dayStopped into a churchI passed along the wayWell, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)And I pretend to pray (I pretend to pray)You know the preacher like the cold (preacher like the cold)He knows I’m gonna stay (knows I’m gonna stay)California dreamin’ (California dreamin’)On such a winter’s dayAll the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been 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)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