California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas

About the song California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas

About the song

“California Dreamin'” is a 1965 song written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips, and recorded by The Mamas & The Papas. The song is about longing for the warmth and beauty of California during a cold winter in New York City. It is characterized by its optimistic melody, dreamy harmonies, and the iconic line, “If I could just be free, I’d pack my bags and I’d head out tonight.”

The song’s history

The song was written in 1963 while John and Michelle Phillips were living in New York City. John would work on compositions late at night and brought Michelle the first verse one morning. At the time, John and Michelle Phillips were members of the folk group the New Journeymen, which evolved into the Mamas and the Papas.

The song was released as a single in December 1965 and became an instant hit. It reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, and number 2 in the UK.

The song’s impact

“California Dreamin'” is considered one of the most iconic songs of the 1960s, and it has been covered by many artists, including Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley. The song is also featured in many films and television shows, including “The Graduate” (1967) and “Entourage” (2004-2011).

The song’s legacy

“California Dreamin'” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift listeners of all ages. It is a reminder that even in the midst of winter, there is always hope for a brighter future.

Here are some notable accolades for “California Dreamin'”:

• In 2002, “California Dreamin'” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
• In 2004, “California Dreamin'” was ranked number 23 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
• In 2008, “California Dreamin'” was added to the National Recording Registry, which is housed at the Library of Congress.

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Video California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas

California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas Lyrics

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 liked the cold (preacher liked 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