About the song
In the midst of a cold winter in 1963, John and Michelle Phillips, members of the folk group The New Journeymen, penned a song that would become an iconic representation of the California sound. “California Dreamin'” was first recorded by Barry McGuire, but it was the Mamas & the Papas’ version, released in December 1965, that catapulted the song to fame. The lyrics, written by Michelle Phillips, express a deep longing for the warmth of Los Angeles, a sentiment that resonated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
The song’s impact was immense, earning it a three-time platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in June 2023 and an induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. Rolling Stone ranked “California Dreamin'” at number 420 in its “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list in 2021, solidifying its place in music history.
The song’s creation was a result of John Phillips’ late-night composition sessions, with Michelle Phillips contributing the lyrics. The original recording featured Barry McGuire on vocals, but it was the Mamas & the Papas’ version, with Denny Doherty on lead vocals, that became the most well-known. The song’s instrumental and backing vocal tracks were paired with an alto flute solo by Bud Shank, reportedly improvised, and a guitar introduction by P. F. Sloan.
Despite its initial release in late 1965, “California Dreamin'” did not gain immediate traction. However, a radio station in Boston helped break the song nationwide, and it eventually peaked at number 4 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cashbox charts in March 1966. The song’s success was not limited to the United States, as it reached number 23 on the UK charts upon its original release and re-charted in 1997 after being featured in a Carling Premier commercial.
“California Dreamin'” has been praised for its unique sound, with Billboard describing it as having “a fascinating new sound with well-written commercial material” and Cash Box calling it a “medium-paced, rhythmic shufflin’ romantic woeser [sic] with a plaintive, lyrical undercurrent.” The song’s influence extends beyond its chart success, as it has been featured in various films and television shows, including the 1994 Hong Kong film Chungking Express and season 4 of Stranger Things.
The song’s lyrics, written by Michelle Phillips, have become iconic, with the line “Well, I got down on my knees, and I pretend to pray” being a standout. Interestingly, Cass Elliot had sung “began” instead of “pretend” on the original recording and continued to do so on tour until corrected by Phillips.
In conclusion, “California Dreamin'” is a timeless classic that has become synonymous with the California sound and the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Its enduring success is a testament to the song’s unique blend of folk, rock, and pop elements, and its influence can still be felt in music today.
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Lyrics
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 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 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