For this week’s Song Lyric Sunday theme, Jim Adams is celebrating the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day, by asking us focus on American music, which is any song played by an American group. I was originally going to go with Simon & Garfunkel’s “America,” but then I remembered that I had already used that song for a Song Lyric Sunday post on October 6, 2019.
So then it was back to the drawing board. And that’s when I came up with “California Dreamin’” from the Mamas and the Papas. Few songs evoke the warmth and freedom of America’s dream with more beauty and charm than that song.
“California Dreamin’” was written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips and was first recorded by Barry McGuire. However, the best-known version is by the Mamas and the Papas, who sang backup on the original version. They released the song as a single in 1965.
When the group was just starting out in 1965, their friend Barry McGuire helped them get a contract with his record label, Dunhill Records. McGuire recorded the first version of the song with the Mamas and the Papas as his backing band and with a harmonica solo instead of a flute. The Mamas and the Papas then decided to record it on their own, with Denny Doherty (the other Papa) singing lead and with some chord changes he came up with after consulting the session guitarist, P.F. Sloan, who had him listen to “Walk – Don’t Run” by The Ventures. The results were impressive, and Dunhill Records agreed to use it as the group’s first single, holding off on McGuire’s version so there wouldn’t be competition from an established artist.
The single, though, was was not an immediate breakthrough. After gaining little attention in Los Angeles upon its release, a radio station in Boston was the catalyst to breaking the song nationwide. After making its chart debut in January 1966, the song peaked at No. 4 in March on the Billboard Hot 100, lasting 17 weeks.
Michelle Phillips explained that the song came about when she was newly married to John Phillips. They were living in New York City, which was having a particularly cold winter, at least by Michelle’s standards, as she was from sunny California. John would walk around the apartment at night working out tunes, and one morning brought the first verse of the song to Michelle. It was a song about longing to be in another place, and it was inspired by Michelle’s homesickness.
Here are the lyrics to the song.
All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey)
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 day
Stopped into a church
I passed along the way
Well, 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 day
All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey)
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
Loved that song… so full of life, as most of their music was
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s a great song. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know if you know who French and Saunders are, but they do a REALLY good rendition of it, hehe
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never heard of them. I’ll have to Google them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful, what a voice Mama Cass had …this song always makes me cry.💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
An iconic song for this prompt Fan. Great job ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Christine.
LikeLike
Such a great choice for today Fandango. How is your California weather today? I hope you have a great holiday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sunny and 79. I hope the rain has stopped where you are and that you’ll be able to grill your sausages.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could deal with 79, that sounds perfect. It is mostly cloudy here now which is a good thing because it keeps things from getting too hot but we have a storm heading towards us now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ugh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to make landfall north of Tampa, Florida, Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, which is only 60 miles west of me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you do t get hit too hard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice pick Fan!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great song, but I wouldn’t want to be in California right now!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s where I am! Dreaming of rain.
LikeLike
I love this song! Its so uplifting! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful choice! I love this song so much as I love the vocals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a great song.
LikeLike
Been a favorite of mine for years. Great song choice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Leigha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Iconic.. Also read quotes by Taylor Swift another iconic singer only on https://turtlequote.com/taylor-swift-inspirational-quotes/
LikeLiked by 1 person