Songs That Mention California
| This list has become much too long to scroll through. Instead of trying to browse here, it's easier to go the Title List or the Artist List, look up the song there, then click on the "Artist" link which will take you to back here for comments and lyrics. California is the main subject of some of these songs, but others simply refer to either a place in the state, such as a city or a highway, or to anything else about the state such as the weather, a "California Girl," or an attitude or lifestyle that the state embodies for the singer. A lot of songs have been written about California. Some songs use California as a metaphor for the American Dream, others use it as a metaphor for the American nightmare. Many of them describe a journey to or a longing to return to a coastal paradise with constant sun, abundant opportunities, where everyone is eternally young and beautiful - basically a fictional place that bears little resemblance to the real Golden State now or in the past. (The Spanish named the territory after a mythical island paradise they were searching for that was supposed to be full of gold and ruled by a queen named Califa. That was also a myth.) Other songs describe the disappointment found after getting to California and discovering that it's no better than where the singer came from. It seems that recording a California song is a requirement for musicians, even if it's only to show that they hate California stereotypes or the Entertainment Industry based in L.A. Musicians such as Local H and Brooke White even wrote songs about California Songs, while other musicians wrote songs about how much they hate the state. It's all good, and there's room for all of them on the list. This list is in alphabetical order by artist last name or band name. If the band name starts with an article such as "The" ignore it and search by the next word. I'll add new songs to the list as I discover them. Let me know if there are any good songs missing. The lyrics are as accurate as I can get, but some words might be wrong. I have tried to censor any offensive words (not to protect you, but to protect this site from being censored) but beware that I might have missed some. YouTube links to the song are included if I could find them. My apologies in advance for bad links. YouTube can be fickle. For another list, also divided by regions, check out Wickipedia's List of songs about California. Finally, here's a list in progress of Songs About Herps to go along with the list of songs about California to make songs about CaliforniaHerps complete. The lyrics shown here are all the property of their owners who have the copyright. They are provided here only for educational purposes and for your entertainment. | ||
| Shortcuts to the Band Name or Artist Last Name (Ignore any article at the beginning such as "The" or "A.") | ||
| Artist | Title (Click link to listen to song) | Description |
| 2 Chainz | It's a Vibe | I like hypnotic trap music like this song, even though I'm not a girl. It's from 2 Chainz' album "Pretty Girls Like Trap Music" and features three rappers - Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz, Jhene Aiko, along with Georgia Rapper 2 Chainz, who says his ego is as enormous as his crib in California, which, according to Lyrics Genius, is a 3, square foot home in the Hollywood Hills that cost million dollars in (My ego is as small as my studio apartment.) [Trey Songz] "That's a vibe (that's a vibe) She wanna vibe, yeah (wanna vibe) That's a vibe (that's a vibe) Yeah, uh (that's a vibe) That's a vibe (that's a vibe) It's a vibe (it's a vibe) That's a vibe, yeah (that's a vibe) Yeah, yeah (that's a vibe) Oh that's a vibe (that's a vibe) Oh it's a vibe (it's a vibe) That's a vibe (that's a vibe, that's a vibe, yeah, yeah) That's a vibe (that's a vibe) She wanna vibe, yeah (wanna vibe) That's a vibe, yeah (that's a vibe) Yeah, yeah [2 Chainz] Okay, so I got the ambiance just where I want it (yeah) And if you get paid, it's solely based on your performance (tru) My ego is enormous like my crib in California (hmm) If you ain't got no heart, man you gonna need a donor Now I said I'm from the corner of the ATL (yah) Where we got that clientele, avoid paper trails (right) Broke so many bales down that I'm shell shocked (bow) A hell Glock, sold rocks by the mailbox (ooh) Still got a vibe, make a young chick turn her neck (alright) Got a vibe, make a cougar wanna spend a check (check) Got a vibe, make a Asian want hibachi (hibachi) Got a vibe, make Italian want Versace (Versace) Carbon copies get declined, I'm the pioneer" |
| 2Pac (see Shakur, Tupac) | ||
| 24KGoldn | City of Angels | 24kGoldn is a rapper, singer, and composer from San Francisco, who, In , at the age of 19, was attending the University of Southern California, so maybe the name of the album this song comes from "Dropped Outta College" is premature. Once again, the title of the song refers to the literal translation of the Spanish language name for the city of Los Angeles, the city where the song's protagonist is addicted to designer clothes. The song is an interesting mix of hip-hop and alternative, and it's even getting airplay on alternative stations that wouldn't dare play straight up hip-hop. "I sold my soul to the devil for designer They said, "Go to hell," but I told 'em I don't wanna If you know me well, then you know that I ain't goin' 'Cause I don't wanna, I don't wanna I don't wanna die young The City of Angels where I have my fun Don't wanna die young When I'm gone, remember all I've done, 'un We've had our fun, 'un But now I'm done, 'un 'Cause you crazy (Yeah), I can't take it (No) Just wanted to see you naked Heard time like money, can't waste it What's the price of fame? 'Cause I can taste it So I'm chasin' (Yeah), and I'm facin' A little Hennessy, it might be good for me I sold my soul to the devil for designer They said, "Go to hell," but I told 'em I don't wanna If you know me well, then you know that I ain't goin' 'Cause I don't wanna, I don't wanna I don't wanna die young The City of Angels where I have my fun Don't wanna die young When I'm gone, remember all I've done, 'un" |
| 10, Maniacs | City of Angels | 10, Maniacs is an alternative rock band founded in New York in , with most of their success between and when Natalie Merchant was the lead singer and main songwriter. This song is from their album "In My Tribe." The title of the song refers to the literal translation of the Spanish language name for the city of Los Angeles. "Heaven, is this Heaven Heaven, is this Heaven Heaven, is Heaven where we are? See them walking, if you dare oh, if you call that walking. Stumble, stagger, fall and drag themselves along the streets of Heaven. Where is the blessed table to feed all who hunger on Earth, welcomed and seated each one is joyfully served? See them walking, if you dare oh, if you call that walking. Stumble, stagger, fall and drag themselves along the streets of Heaven. Where is the halo that should glow 'round your face, and where are the wings that should grow from your shoulder blades? Show them to me. Sobering sights I've seen in the City of Angels have all been one rude awakening that was due to me in Heaven. Sobering sights I've seen in the City of Angels have all been one rude awakening that was due to me in Heaven. There would have been heavenly music I was convinced before. A host of the dearly to meet me with Hosannas sung at the door, but these sobering sights I've seen in the City of Angels have all been one rude awakening that was due to me In this city of fallen angels." |
| A | ||
| Miss Abrams and the Strawberry Point Third Grade Class | Mill Valley | This soft pop song was written by Rita Abrams and recorded by the class she was teaching in Somehow it got played on the radio and made it onto the Billboard charts, peaking at #5 on the Easy Listening chart, so then they recorded an entire album. Abrams quit teaching to pursue a successful career in writing music after that. Mill Valley is a small city 14 miles north of San Francisco in Marin County that used to have one of the best record stores in the entire Bay Area before the web killed it. "I'm gonna talk about a place That's got a hold on me, Mill Valley A little place where life Feels very fine and free, Mill Valley Where people aren't afraid to smile And stop and talk with you awhile, And you can be as friendly As you want to be. Mill Valley! Talkin' 'bout Mill Valley, That's my home! It looks as pretty in the rain As in the sun, Mill Valley And there's a mountain That belongs to ev'ry one, Mill Valley And there are creeks That run on endlessly, And trees as far as you can see It makes you feel as if Your life has just begun. Mill Valley Talkin' 'bout Mill Valley, Talkin' 'bout Mill Valley, California, That's my home! I know that there may come a time I'll have to leave Mill Valley, And ev'ry memory Will seem like make-believe Mill Valley And all the good things That are mine right now, Will call to me and ask me how I could have left them all behind How could I leave Mill Valley, Talkin' 'bout Mill Valley, Talkin' 'bout Mill Valley, California, That's my home!" |
| Acousticats, The | California Republic | The Acousticats were a bluegrass group active in the early s who formed in Santa Barbara. This is from their debut album “Down at Evangelina’s.” "Roll on California The Republic is ridin' high You're my final destination I will be here when I die From the streets of San Diego On up theMission Trail Follow ancient footsteps Where avail From Shasta to goldfields Tahoe to Death Valley Where the hills of California Are always home to me" |
| Ryan Adams | Goodnight, Hollywood Blvd. | Alt country, indie rock genres seem pretty meaningless these days, but whatever you want to call it, New Yorker Adams does it very well. From , this is one of those slow sad piano songs with strings. "La Cienega Just Smiled" - which is probably a reference to another street in LA - La Cienega blvd. - is another slow Adams song from the same album "Gold" released in "It's happening baby They're putting up the chairs Taking the money And all we can do is pray Pray for tomorrow So close your eyes So close your mouth And do this all in time to the music That screams like a child in the back of your mind In a clown's saloon So goodnight Hollywood Blvd, goodnight, See ya soon Goodnight Hollywood Blvd, see you sometime Yeah, right " |
| Admiral Radley | I Heart California | A song from a California Indie rock band made up of members of two influential California Indie rock bands, Earlimart, from LA, and Grandaddy, from Modesto. Long walks on the 5? What, did they break down? "I am California yeah? Ice tea in my hair Drugs fall out of diaper bags As midwesterners stare I am California Long walks on the 5 Truck stops and the symphony And I'll be here when I die I heart California I love California I heart California I heart California I love California I heart California" |
| Adele | Hello | Adele does a little bit of California Dreaming In this song from her album "25" in which she also shows that she doesn't understand how Caller ID works. "Hello, it's me I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet To go over everything They say that time's supposed to heal ya But I ain't done much healing Hello, can you hear me? I'm in California dreaming about who we used to be When we were younger and free I've forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet There's such a difference between us And a million miles Hello from the other side I must've called a thousand times To tell you I'm sorry For everything that I've done But when I call you never Seem to be home Hello from the outside At least I can say that I've tried To tell you I'm sorry For breaking your heart But it don't matter, it clearly Doesn't tear you apart anymore" |
| Adolescents, The | L.A. Girl | The Adolescents are a punk band from Fullerton formed in This song is from their first studio album "Adolescents" released in The song was also featured in the movie "Empire Records." "We don't care, you say we're too young Waste our time tanning in the sun We don't care what you know or think Spoiled rich brat you ain't so neat L.A. girl, L.A. world Don't tell us how to act, don't tell us what to wear L.A. girl, L.A. world You didn't create our scene We don't care We can't see why We don't live our lives To keep you satisfied Stuck in your world of dreams again My life starts where your life ends You've burned out your battery has died If it wasn't for O.C. your scene wouldn't be alive L.A. girl, L.A. world Don't tell us how to act, don't tell us what to wear L.A. girl, L.A. world You didn't create our scene" |
| Aislers Set, The | California | The Aislers Set is an indie pop band formed in San Francisco in This is from their debut album "Terrible Things Happen," released in "I've had a bit too much tonight But I think I'll ride my bike alright I rode to where the lights collide And I fell asleep where peaks divide I dream I'm happy. And I think I'm happy I read it in a magazine. They said it's all for free Stop your daydreaming about such silly little things Is California mine? I guess I get around alright And I have a bit of fun at night and I think I'm happy And I dream I'm happy. I read it a magazine They said it's all for free. Stop your daydreaming Is California mine?" |
| Gary Allan | She's So California | A country song from "She's a warm summer breeze with bleach blonde hair Like a fine red wine she can take you there She's a walk in the sand at sunset She's the top pulled down on the She'll take you higher than Humboldt sky She's an earthquake And you're the fault line So, when you feel the ground start movin' around Hold on tight you're in for a ride 'Cause she's so California She's a wild fire out of control headed for ya So, when you get burned, don't say I didn't warn ya 'Cause she's so California." |
| Lilly Allen | Trigger Bang | Lily Allen is a singer, songwriter, author and actress from the UK. Giggs is a London rapper. This is an apparently autobiographical pop song from her album "No Shame." I like Allen's music and her attitude and the fact that she doesn't try to sing with an American accent as most Brits do, so I'm happy to have a song of hers to put on this list, even if it only briefly mentions L.A. and the Chateau-Marmont (Hollywood's version of the Chelsea Hotel.) " When I was young I was blameless Playing with rude boys and trainers I had a foot in the rave 'cause I was attracted to danger I never got home for Neighbours, hey When I grew up, nothing changed much Anything went, I was famous I would wake up next to strangers Everyone knows what cocaine does Numbing the pain when the shame comes, hey And it fuels my addictions Hanging out in this whirlwind If you cool my ambitions I'm gonna cut you out That's why I can't hang with the cool gang Everyone's a trigger bang, bang, bang, bang, bang Goodbye bad bones, I've got bigger plans Don't wanna put myself in your hands That's why I can't hang with the cool gang Everyone's a trigger bang, bang, bang, bang, bang Goodbye bad bones, I've got bigger plans Don't wanna put myself in your hands Back in the day like at Yo-Yo Then in L.A. at the Chateau Someone would say did you bang, no I shake my head, I say no-no Maybe we did, I don't think so, hey I need to move on and grow some Been in the Firehouse for too long LDN's burning, so tan one I'm gonna love you and leave some I'm gonna go out while I'm still strong, hey And it fuels my addictions Hanging out in this whirlwind If you cool my ambitions I'm gonna cut you out" |
| Alesso | Cool | Alesso is a Swedish DJ, producer, and musician. This song is from his album “Forever.” It’s a hit upbeat dance track that heavily samples the piano intro from one of the better Kylie Minogue songs “Get Outta My Way.” It throws a little shade on Hollywood in the beginning, where the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame are visible, but those in the sky are not (either because of the smog or the broken dreams) “I saw stars on the pavement California dreams Looked up through the bright lights No stars that I see You said, "It’s all yours if you take it there." I said, "I can’t do it alone, I swear." You said, "It’s all yours, It’s all yours when you smile." It’s only you Who loves me like you do Trying to keep it cool But I can’t keep cool about it Acting like a fool Wanna scream it from the roof I’m trying to keep it cool But I can’t keep cool about it (about it) Before you, love, I was lost Drifting at sea You were the beacon I’d followed home You were the one who rescued me….” |
| Dave Alvin | California Snow | Dave Alvin was in the Blasters, an 80s roots rock band who also sings beautiful folksy/country acoustic guitar-based songs like this one. In this song, Alvin takes on the persona of a Border Patrol Officer who drives at night in San Diego County. "I'm just tryin' to make a livin' I'm an old man at thirty-nine With two kids and an ex-wife Who moved up to Riverside I'm workin' down on the border Drivin' back roads every night Mountains east of El Cajon North of the Tecate line. Where the California summer sun Will burn right to your soul But in the winter you can freeze to death In the California snow. " |
| Dave Alvin | Here In California | A nice cover version of the Kate Wolf song discussed below. |
| Dave Alvin | King of California | A poor 19th century guy from east of the Ohio river promises his love that he will return and marry her after he makes his fortune in the California gold rush. That didn't work out too well for him, but it probably woudn't have been a great song if it had. This rootsy acoustic song from beautifully conjures up the era and the spirit of "Go west young man." One of my favorites. "Well I left my home and my one true love East of the Ohio River My father said we'd never wed For I had me no gold nor silver But my darling dear, please shed no tears But I think that it's fair to warn you That I return to claim your hand As the King of California" |
| Dave Alvin | Out in California | This is from Dave Alvin's Interstate City album released in "I'm sitting here drinkin' in the last bar on earth Sittin' here drinkin in the last bar on earth Out in California she's takin' off her tight red skirt The mountains out the window - they're a woman lyin' on a bed The mountains here are shaped like a woman lying naked on a bed She may be out in California, but I can't get her out of my head Out in California They killed off the Indians, they shot all the grizzly bears Out in California, they shot all the grizzly bears She just stands by the window, combing out her long black hair If a man keeps runnin', he'll run right into himself It a man keeps movin', he'll run into himself Out in California she's lyin down with somebody else Out in California Gonna buy me a Chevy, as soon as my luck turns around Gonna buy me a shotgun, soon as my luck turns around Gonna drive on back to that California town I'm sitting here drinkin' in the last bar on earth Sittin' here drinkin in the last bar on earth Out in California she's takin' off her tight red skirt" |
| Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women | California's Burning | After the death of a member of his backing band, The Guilty Men, Alvin assembled a new band composed of women called The Guilty Women, whose voices add a nice dimension to his harmonies. This song needs no explanation to those of us who have watched hillsides and homes go up in flames in the summer and fall and mudslides cover what remains the next winter "California's burning, you can smell it in the air. California's burning, you can smell it in the air. You may be rich or poor, but you know that fire don't care. … … … … No rain for four years, and the hills are dry and brown. Yeah, no rain for four years, and the hills are dry and brown. Yeah, well where you gonna run to when the whole wide world burns down? … … … … Black clouds are risin' and they're blockin' out the sun. Black clouds are risin' and they're blockin' out the sun. Some folks are sayin' the judgement day has come. California's burning, no one knows when it will end. California's burning, no one knows when this will end. What that fire burns down boys, we'll just build it back again." |
| Amen Dunes | L. A. | Singer-songwriter Samon McMahon created his musical project Amen Dunes in New York in This song is hard to squeeze into a genre - psychedelic indie electro folk - something like that. It's from his album "Freedom." (Also check out the great song Miki Dora below from the same album.) "Throw the saint in the fire, baby Long day Power's something you believe in Something you gain At 19 I was king, so supreme Down to Judea Memory don't mean much to me Still, don't go away High up in the Hollywood Hills, I'm barely awake Got my arms around some clown who's barely awake Doesn't we look stupid now Tears trickle down our face At 10 I light my first cigarette and drive down to L.A. At 10 I light my first cigarette and drive down to L.A. Some say fake it I don't know, man Stomp it, take it Cool it down, babe I've been trying to make it, years and years and years Watch them years go by, on fire" |
| Amen Dunes | Miki Dora | This song from the album "Freedom" is very much a California song, even if it mentions only one obscure location in the state - North Beach, which is in Malibu. It's about a charismatic surfer based in Malibu, California, Miki Dora. He had his own line of surf boards and appeared in several "Beach Party" movies in the s as well as the classic surf movie "The Endless Summer" which praises his surfing style. But he was also a controversial figure, known as the Black Knight of Malibu. Songwriter Damon McMahon describes him this way: "Miki Dora was arguably the most gifted and innovative surfer of his generation and the foremost opponent of surfing’s commercialization. He was also a lifelong criminal and retrograde: a true embodiment of the distorted male psyche. He was a living contradiction; both a symbol of free-living and inspiration, and of the false heroics American culture has always celebrated. With lyrics of regret and redemption at the end of one’s youth, the song is about Dora, and myself, but ultimately it is a reflection on all manifestations of mythical heroic maleness and its illusions." (Anna Gaca, www.cronistalascolonias.com.ar January 17, ) But enough about him. I must have listened to this song dozens of times before I bothered to find out what it was about. I'm usually pulled in by the music and the beat before I pay attention to the lyrics, and this song's hypnotic rhythm and quirky vocal style hooked me right away. "Getting on fine Catch the next wave Get the move right Darken the wave Coasting all day Coasting all day The way you're going We know what you'll say The waves are gone The waves are gone The waves are gone, you said Man, they all gone Pride destroyed me man 'Til it took a hold of me And I feel it when I cry I can feel it in my dreams Miki Dora Taking your time Waves are gone Waves are gone We were up on North Beach And you're copping all my tricks, man But you don't do it like me Sitting on the pier Sipping on my beer I come upon a vision When Mary comes to me Silver golden waves And chills that keep me clear You all recall my name But don't mean a thing to me Miki so fine Catch the next wave Miki Dora Darken the wave The waves they are gone The waves they are gone The waves are gone The waves are gone Pride destroyed me man And I didn't know the deal I said, "I'm sad I'm gonna cry" Scaring the devil in me I shouldn't have gone We shouldn't have gone But I did not discover the difference It didn't come to me Give with nothing to take Slid along the waves He could not suffer existence It wasn't meant to be Getting on fine Rolling on me There's still enough time To roll around with me Roll around with me Roll around with me" |
| America | California Revisited | America is a great and cheezy folk rock band from the '70's made up of Americans who lived in Britain as military dependants and didn't want anyone to think they were Brits before they relocated to L.A., hence the name of the group. This is from their album "Homecoming." "Heaven may be an answer If you're lookin' for eden in the sky On your waters I see a strange reflection Rumor has it I'll see you when I die Everyone I meet is from California There's dancin' in the streets in California In California you watch the shadow dancer Floating gently, gently on the sea In California you're such a strange romancer Come and see me when the world has set you free Everyone I meet is from California There's dancin' in the streets in California Everyone I meet is from California There's dancin' in the streets in California." |
| America | Ventura Highway | From their album "Homecoming." An upbeat soft rock classic with a catchy acoustic guitar riff from the band who have been to the desert on a horse with no name. For 30 years I wondered how those lizards got up in the air, but thanks to the imaginatiion-killing-internet I now know that they're only supposed to be cloud www.cronistalascolonias.com.ar is one of the few songs about both California, and herps. (Or at least clouds that look like herps.) "Wishin' on a falling star Watchin' for the early train Sorry boy, but I've been hit by Purple rain Aw, come on Joe, you can always Change your name Thanks a lot son, just the same Ventura Highway In the sunshine Where the days are longer The nights are stronger Than moonshine You're gonna go I know 'Cause the free wind is blowin' through your hair And the days surround your daylight there Seasons crying no despair Alligator lizards in the air in the air " |
| Americanos, The | In My Foreign | The Americanos are an American electronic dance music DJ trio based in Los Angeles. This song is built on a sample of Chicago’s Saturday in the Park and features rapping and singing by Ty Dolla $ign, French Montana & Lil Yachty. It’s the lead off track on the soundtrack for xXx: Return of Xander Cage, released in [Ty Dolla $ign:] “Do you wanna ride, ride, ride in my foreign? (In my foreign?) Lift the top back all the way, rolling through the streets of L.A. Girl, do you wanna ride, ride, ride in my foreign? (In my foreign?) We can turn up the radio, we ain't got no place to go Girl do you wanna ride? [French Montana:] Fo' sho' she wanna ride, fo' sho' she wanna slide Fo' sho' we gettin' sauced, fo' sho' we gettin' high Pull up swaggin', hop out the wagon Suckers gonna hate but the ladies wanna brag What you say? What you say? What you say? Whole team faded like Jordan with the J Cradle to the grave, NY to the Bay Millions in the bank and the hunnids in the safe Ain't nothing to a G baby Foreign sitting low, climb out the V baby Haan, ain't nothing to a G baby Foreign sitting low climb out the V baby [Ty Dolla $ign:] Do you wanna ride, ride, ride in my foreign? (In my foreign?) Lift the top back all the way, rolling through the streets of L.A. Girl, do you wanna ride, ride, ride in my foreign? (In my foreign?) We can turn up the radio, we ain't got no place to go Girl it feels like Saturday, everyday I'm smoking loud and feeling so high I'm rolling good through my hood Getting lit like the 4th of July I got that exotic that you probably can't afford We be going up like them butterfly doors We ain't got no problems cause we counting all this cash Got a bobblehead with her metro on the dash Do you wanna ride, ride, ride in my foreign? (In my foreign?) Lift the top back all the way, rolling through the streets of L.A. Girl, do you wanna ride, ride, ride in my foreign? (In my foreign?) We can turn up the radio, we ain't got no place to go Girl do you wanna ride?….” |
| American Music Club | California Dreamin' | A very good indie rock cover (with sitar!) of the Mamas and Papas classic. |
| American Music Club | Highway 5 | A dark slow dirge off "California," a album from this San Francisco based alternative rock band. Maybe back in 75 was the cruising speed, but 85 is more like it these days, and that's in the slow lane "Highway five Takes so much to make us feel like we're alive A weary traveler at a smooth seventy-five Make pretend the landscape ain't so dry Do anything to maintain a lie To the left, a beautiful California landscape Dead ends in the sky And to the right, beautiful mountains rise High and dry Another futile expression of bitterness Another overwhelming sensation of uselessness Make pretend that the landscape ain't so dry Do anything to maintain a lie Make pretend that the lover ain't so barren Though in Los Angeles things like that don't matter" |
| The Andrews Sisters | The Lady From 29 Palms | The Andrews Sisters were a close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras consisting of three sisters from Minnesota, active from to They have been called the most popular female vocal group of the first half of the 20th century. This song was a top ten hit in (Twentynine Palms is a city in the desert just north of Joshua Tree National Park.) "She left twenty-nine broken hearts Broken in twenty-nine parts Now there are twenty-nine fellas complainin' to their moms About the lady from 29 Palms She got twenty-nine Cadillacs Twenty-nine sables from Sach's They came from twenty-nine fellas who never had their arms Around the lady from 29 Palms She's a yip-yip-yippy-eyed dolly A new kinda gal of the west And yip-yip-yippy by-golly Whatever she does, she does her best She rides twenty-nine trails to bliss Knows twenty-nine ways how to kiss She is a gal that you dream of, you'd love to have your arms Around the lady from 29 Palms She left twenty-nine broken hearts, baby Broken in twenty-nine parts were their broken hearts, mmm oy-da doy-da Twenty-nine fellas complainin' to their moms About the lady from 29 Palms She got twenty-nine Cadillacs, baby Twenty-nine sables from Sach's and them Cadillacs, mmm boy-da doy-da Twenty-nine fellas who never had their arms Around the lady from 29 Palms" |
| Tori Amos | Maybe California | Tori Amos is an American singer-songwriter originally from the East Coast. This song is from her album "Abnormally Attracted To Sin." The singer is a mother who is trying to talk a woman out of jumping off a cliff for the sake of her children. I don't know what "Maybe California" means in the context of the song, but Amos fractures and repeats and stretches those six syllables like a jazz singer until the words themselves almost disappear. "Hey Mrs. C., please don’t jump Why not? Nothing is making sense anymore to me I don’t know when I stopped making him smile Now the kids see me crying all the time From one mother to the other They’ll never get over this for their lifetime All their wishes will be dashed upon those cliffs So let’s be strong for you and me the night is opening Our angels are falling and they will warm us She asked, "Right Now? Right Here?" I'm feelin' soon, soon my dear Maybe California Maybe California As mothers we have our troubles You’ll leave them with emptiness for their lifetime All their wishes will be dashed upon those cliffs So let’s be strong you and me the night is opening Our angels are falling and they will warm us She asked, "Right Now? Right Here?" I'm feelin' soon, soon my dear Maybe California Maybe California Until then there will be starlight shining down For every tear in every town." |
| Animals, The (Eric Burdon and) | Monterey | The Animals (aka Eric Burdon and the Animals) is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted English band formed in the early s. This psychedelic rock tribute to the Monterey Pop Festival, which took place two years before Woodstock, is from the band's second album "The Twain Shall Meet," released in "The people came and listened Some of them came and played Others gave flowers away Yes they did yeah! Down in Monterey Down in Monterey Young gods smiled upon the crowd Their music being born of love Children danced night and day Religion was being born Down in Monterey The Byrds and the Airplane Did fly Oh, Ravi Shankar's Music made me cry The Who exploded Into fired light (yeah) Hugh Masekela's music Was black as night The Grateful Dead Blew everybody's mind Jimi Hendrix, baby Believe me Set the world on fire, yeah! His majesty Prince Jones smiled as he Moved among the crowd Ten thousand electric guitars Were groovin' real loud, yeah If you wanna find the truth in life Don't pass music by And you know I would not lie No, I would not lie No, I would not lie Down in Monterey Hu! huh-huh! Alright! Three days of understanding Of moving with one another Even the cops grooved with us Do you believe me? Yeah! Down in Monterey Down in Monterey, yeah Down in Monterey Down in Monterey, yeah" |
| Animals, The (Eric Burdon and) | San Francisco Nights | A song about San Francisco and the Summer of Love, and all that Hippy stuff. But a WARM San Franciscan night? That doesn't sound like summer in The City. Mark Twain gets credit for saying the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. Whether he said it or not, it's hard to argue with it after the summer fog rolls in. "This following program is dedicated to the city and people of San Francisco Who may not know it but they are beautiful And so is their city this is a very personal song So if the viewer cannot understand it Particularly those of you who are European residents Save up all your brand and fly trans love airways to San Francisco U.S.A. Then maybe you'll understand the song, it will be worth it If not for the sake of this song but for the sake of your own peace of mind Strobe lights beam creates dreams Walls move minds do too On a warm San Franciscan night Old child young child feel alright On a warm San Franciscan night Angels sing leather wings Jeans of blue Harley Davisons too On a warm San Franciscan night Old angels young angels feel alright On a warm San Franciscan night I wasn't born there perhaps I'll die there There's no place left to go, San Francisco" |
| Arctic Monkeys | Fake Tales of San Francisco | Arctic Monkeys are an English rock band formed in They're in that lineage of snide, snotty, overly superior British rockers that runs through The Rolling Stones, The Sex Pistols, Oasis and The Prodigy. That's good company to keep. This song is from their acclaimed debut studio album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" which was released in It's about a pretentious British band that talks about the USA even though they've never been there. I'll bet that band's lyrics are so wank that they rhyme "San Francisco" with "Disco." "Fake tales of San Francisco Echo through the room More point to a wedding disco Without a bride or groom And there's a super cool band, yeah With their trilbies and their glasses of white wine And all the weekend rock stars are in the toilet Practicing their lines I don't want to hear you Kick me out, kick me out I don't want to hear you, no Kick me out, kick me out I don't want to hear you Kick me out, kick me out I don't want to hear you I don't want to hear your Fake tales of San Francisco Echo through the air And there's a few bored faces at the back All wishing they weren't there And as the microphone squeaks A young girl's telephone beeps Yeah, she's dashing for the exit Oh, she's running to the streets outside "Oh, you've saved me, " she screams down the line "The band were f***ing wank And I'm not having a nice time" I don't want to hear you Kick me out, kick me out I don't want to hear you, no Kick me out, kick me out Yeah, but his bird said it's amazing, though So all that's left Is the proof that love's not only blind but deaf He talks of San Francisco, he's from Hunter's Bar I don't quite know the distance But I'm sure that's far Yeah I'm sure that's pretty far And yeah, I'd love to tell you all my problem You're not from New York City, you're from Rotherham So get off the bandwagon, and put down the handbook Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah" |
| Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti | Life in L.A. | Ariel Pink is the stage name of a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles active since He has released records credited to "Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti" including this one, so he is filed here under that name. (Figuring out how to list and alphabetize all these insane band and musician names is not always easy for a non-librarian such as myself.) This is from Mr. Pink's seventh studio album "Worn Copy" released in If you like a song that opens with a half a minute of wind sounds and features kazoos, you're in luck. "Life in L.A. Well, what can I say? It's a treasure to find So many ways to unwind You could be so lonely Life in L.A. is so lonely Is so lonely That way Yeah Life in L.A. Come on out if you're gay Make your babies and money Move in together Take out that loan Honey, it's now or never The weather is your boyfriend On a Saturday You stay in bed And you could be so lonely Life in L.A. is so lonely Is so lonely That way A girl in my car Doesn't mean I'm getting too far Unless I'm taking her home Halfway to Fresno at dark Every peck on my cheek When I look at her face Every time we make plans I think leather and lace Life in L.A. Is like a day in my brain Cut And did you know you could be so lonely? Life in L.A. is so lonely Is so lonely that way Take me home" |
| Ashe | Cold in California | Ashe (Ashlyn Rae Wilson) is a singer-songwriter from San Jose. This song is from her EP "Moral of the Story: Chapter 2" released in It's a reminder to all visitors to the Golden State to bring a jacket. "Just out of reach is the gold you're rushing for with bags under your eyes I’ve been chasing a rainbow, wound up at your door, wanna see the other side It’s not quite like I imagined, like I did before When you’re pouring all your heart out But you’re lying on the floor All these cigarettes and hotels, could be what you’re looking for But it’s not what you expected and you’re left wanting more Don’t mind what anybody told ya It still gets cold in California See everybody thinks they know ya They’re only seeing what they wanna Don’t mind what anybody told ya It still gets cold in California We can dance in the streets with the sun upon our skin and wake up feeling burned Under stars, we could freeze cause we’ve gotten used to heat where seasons never turn It’s not quite like I imagined, like I did before When you’re pouring all your heart out But you’re lying on the floor All these cigarettes and hotels, could be what you’re looking for But it’s not what you expected and you’re left wanting more Don’t mind what anybody told ya It still gets cold in California See everybody thinks they know ya They’re only seeing what they wanna Don’t mind what anybody told ya It still gets cold in California Talk about the pretty parts The ones you see on film Happiness and skinny legs and living on a hill Don’t talk about the lonely parts, the loneliness you feel You probably always will Cause it gets dark in California I know it well better than most ya Don’t mind what anybody told ya It still gets cold in California See everybody thinks they know ya They’re only seeing what they wanna Don’t mind what anybody told ya It still gets cold in California" |
| Ashford & Simpson | Nobody Walks in L.A. | Ashford & Simpson were a husband and wife team of songwriters and performers from New York and South Carolina who started their careers in the mid 60s writing some of the great Motown hits including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." This song is from their album "Real Love." "Got off the plane where they say it don't rain Thought to myself this is for me Looked all around and everywhere The streets were empty Checked in the hotel to unpack my things Gotta get out find some company And then it hit me Don't know if I read it or heard somebody say In Hollywood they do things a different way Don't you be caught cruisin' on a sunny day Cause nobody walks in L.A. Nobody walks in L.A. I had some dreams I was gonna crash the scene Thought anywhere I can survive That there must be a special place Where the beautiful people hide Begin to wonder what am I doin' wrong Had to figure it out intelligently Then it hit me Don't know if I read it or heard somebody say In Hollywood they do things a different way Don't you be caught cruisin' on a sunny day Cause nobody walks in L.A. Nobody walks in L.A. I been around and I like New York and Chinatown Where rivers of people seem to flow But bein' here under the sky so blue What do you do? What do you do? I've been around and I don't understand this town You got to know somebody or be on the party list And if you're not a big star You won't be missed But the most important rule No matter what games they play Nobody walks Don't know if I read it or heard somebody say In Hollywood they do things a different way Don't you be caught cruisin' on a sunny day Don't know if I read it or heard somebody say In Hollywood they do things a different way Don't you be caught cruisin' on a sunny day Cause nobody walks in L.A. Nobody walks in L.A" |
| Atherton | California | I don't know anything about this band except that they are from Atherton, a small city in San Mateo County near Palo Alto. After lots of Googling I gave up trying to find more information. I guess that's what happens when you name yourself after a city. This is the lead off song from the album "Pale Summer" released in It's a great but obscure indie rock song that I only learned about because someone suggested it for this list. The song was also released on the soundtrack compilation to the MTV series "Laguna Beach" - "MTV Presents Laguna Beach: Summer Can Last Forever" released in "Hello hello hello I'm glad I've found you Been away a long long time The sun will rise And the sun will set tomorrow And it's been rough on this old heart You are, you are the only reason I have found Come down, come down, come get me off the ground I waited for you yesterday To come on back and say you'll always stay Come back home to California Find a better way to make it through today Come back home to California The lights they shine so bright They shine for you tonight So come on baby Come home to California We can drive the coast of San Fransisco Head on down to Hollywood Hurry please Summer's almost over You know I'm fading and I wish you would You are, you are the only reason I have found Come down, come down, come get me off the ground I waited for you yesterday To come on back and say you'll always stay Come on home to California Find a better way to make it through today Come back home to California The lights they shine so bright They shine for you tonight So come on baby Come home to California Come home to California California California California California California California" |
| Augustana | California's Burning | A song from a San Diego rock band. "California's burning, burning, burning to the ground and my head is turning, turning, turning round and round Allie's stomach's churning, churning, like a storm today and your mother's crying, crying, closing up the safe and I'm here, wondering where the sun has gone driving through to Mexico, asking why there's no one home Encinitas likes to miss me, like nobody's child.. and my eyes like rainy Tuesdays, like to watch you smile and I'm here, wondering where the sun has gone driving through a Midwest storm, asking why there's no one home" |
| Avicii | Gonna Love Ya | Avicii is a Swedish DJ/producer/musician who has made some great dance tracks. This is another one from with a tropical house feel. It’s got a quick mention of California, too. “I’m gonna love ya, like no one could Make your heart feel the way it should I'm gonna hold ya, when no one would Cause I swear you deserve so good Livin' up in California Lovin' life but I've been waiting for ya To twist my dreams and turn my fate But God I hope it's not too late I'm gonna love ya, I'm gonna love ya I'm gonna love ya, I know I could I'm gonna love ya, like no one could Make your heart feel the way it should I'm gonna hold ya, when no one would Cause I swear you deserve so good Sometimes it's hard to have the upper hand When every dream you've had is turning into sand You need someone to make your day But he took your breath and blew it away I'm gonna love ya, like no one could Make your heart feel the way it should I'm gonna hold ya, when no one would Cause I swear you deserve so good…..” |
| Hoyt Axton | California Women | Hoyt Axton was a singer-songwriter originallly from Oklahoma who got his start singing folk songs in San Francisco clubs in the late s. He's best known for writing songs that were hits for other singers, notably "Joy to the World" and "Never Been to Spain" for Three Dog Night. This is from the album "Joy to the World" released in "Talk about your women in Birmingham, And a lady from Baltimore. But the girls I love get their toes in the sand, Of the sweet Santa Monica shore. Singin' California women, in the heat God Almighty. Gotta sweet, sweet jelly roll. California women, in the heat God Almighty Gotta sweet, sweet jelly roll. California women, in the heat God Almighty Gotta sweet, sweet jelly roll. California women, in the heat God Almighty Gotta sweet, sweet jelly roll. De, da'd 'n, de, de, de, de'd 'n, de, de'd 'n, de Singin' California women, in the heat God Almighty Gotta sweet, sweet jelly roll. California women, in the heat God Almight Gotta sweet, sweet jelly roll. California women, in the heat God Almighty Gotta sweet, sweet jelly roll. California women, in the heat God Almighty Gotta sweet, sweet jelly roll. I gotta sweet, sweet jelly roll. California women, in the Greek, God, Amon. I gotta sweet, sweet jelly roll. California women, in the Greek, God, Amon. I gotta sweet, sweet jelly roll." |
| B | ||
| Babys, The | California | The Babys are a British rock band that started in This song comes from their third album "Head First," released in "When I came back home From the USA I had nothin' in my pockets And not a lot to say Though I knew somehow We would meet real soon But the way you've been avoidin' me It's like I'm livin' on the moon Here I am on this side of the stars Livin' in California And sometimes I get out of reach in the bars Dreamin' about my life And maybe one day I'll take a wife Though I spent some Time on the evil road I've done things that I'm ashamed of Oh man it's such a heavy load Though I knew somehow We would meet real soon But the way you've been avoidin' me It's like I'm livin' on the moon Here I am on this side of the stars Livin' in California And sometimes I get out of reach in the bars Dreamin' about my life And maybe one day I'll take a wife Oh" |
| Bad Religion | Land of Competition | Bad Religion is a punk rock band (with harmonies) formed in Los Angeles in This song is from their 3rd album Suffer, released in "See there's a girl who's afraid of the world so she stays at home. Next there's a boy who seems so lost in his joy, he's all alone. The camera's on them, they're in the land of competition. Southern California air feeds them. And they know they are best 'cause of the way they are dressed, But you can bet you are not welcome in their home. See there's a girl who sits and watches the world from her blue screen. Also a boy who truly wants to destroy his hometown scene. They both want to travel to the land of competition. Southern California will destroy them, And they won't be the best, they'll be the poseurs who dress Like the plastic idiots who they copy. Tell me what do you need to make you happy? Indeed, is it out of your reach? Beware of number one, see all the damage it has done, there are so few of them. You won't find too many in the land of competition. Southern California doesn't breed them. If you just want the best turn to yourself for the rest And forget about the ones who have it all. Be careful of the ones who have it all. Be careful of the ones who have it all. Be careful of the ones who have it all." |
| Bad Religion | Los Angeles is Burning | This is another song about California wildfires, from the band's album The Empire Strikes First. "Somewhere high in the desert near a curtain of a blue St. Anne's skirts are billowing But down here in the city of the lime lights The fans of Santa Ana are withering And you can’t deny that living is easy If you never look behind the scenery It's showtime for dry climes And bedlam is dreaming of rain When the hills of Los Angeles are burning Palm trees are candles in the murder wind So many lives are on the breeze Even the stars are ill at ease And Los Angeles is burning This is not a test Of the emergency broadcast system Where Malibu fires and radio towers Conspire to dance again And I cannot believe the media mecca They're only trying to peddle reality, Catch it on prime time, story at nine The whole world is going insane When the hills of Los Angeles are burning Palm trees are candles in the murder wind So many lives are on the breeze Even the stars are ill at ease And Los Angeles is burning A placard reads "The end of days" Jacaranda boughs are bending in the haze More a question than a curse How could hell be any worse? The flames are stunning The cameras running So take warning When the hills of Los Angeles are burnin Palm trees are candles in the murder wind So many lives are on the breeze Even the stars are ill at ease And Los Angeles is burning" |
| Bahari | California | Bahari is a trio of female pop singer-songwriters and muscians that formed in Manhattan Beach in One member grew up in Kenya speaking Swahili and "Bahari" means "ocean" in Swahili. One thing I don't understand about this song is the line "Drive down to heaven on the " That's not exactly a scenic highway - it leads from Norwalk to El Segundo, but I guess if you go a few miles south you'll get to Manhattan Beach so maybe that's why they mention it. This is beginning to sound like that Saturday Night Live Californians sketch where all they do is give driving directions around L.A. "It's a state of mind, it's a state of grace Close your eyes, drift away The nights are warm and the days are long Come, pretty baby, where you belong The taste of her skin makes you feel alive Drive down to heaven on the Oooh, everybody needs a little California I can be your California I can be your getaway I love ya, but I have to warn ya You can visit but you cannot stay Well I could be your California baby And we could be a flawed paradise Nothing perfect lasts forever But baby wouldn't that be nice? A kiss from the sun, let it burn your skin I'll meet you tonight but don't ask where I've been The liquor store on 7th, they don't check IDs Yeah a pretty girl can always get whatever she needs I can be your California I can be your getaway I love ya, but I have to warn ya You can visit but you cannot stay Well I could be your California baby And we could be a flawed paradise Nothing perfect lasts forever But baby wouldn't that be nice? California-fornia love California-fornia love Love I can be your, I can be your I can be your California I can be your getaway I love ya, but I have to warn ya You can visit but you cannot stay Well I could be your California baby And we could be a flawed paradise Nothing perfect lasts forever But baby wouldn't that be nice" |
| B. J. Baker | Grant Avenue | This is a big musical number in the Chinese New Year's parade scene from the musical "Flower Drum Song" which was set in San Francisco's Chinatown. The movie features the star Nancy Kwan lip syncing, but the real singer is B.J. Baker. Kwan and Baker's "I Enjoy Being a Girl" number is another highlight of the movie musical which was groundbreaking in that it featured entertainers of Asian heritage instead of non-Asian actors in "yellow-face" makeup, which was common in those days. I wish someone would have told Rogers and Hammerstein, who wrote the song for the original musical, that they're called "Cable Cars" not "trolleys" in San Francisco. "A western street with eastern manners, Tall pagodas and golden banners Throw their shadows through the lantern glow. You can shop for precious jade or teakwood tables or silk brocade Or see a bold and brassy night club show, On the most exciting thoroughfare I know. We call it Grant Avenue, San Francisco, California, U.S.A. Looks down from Chinatown Over a foggy bay. You travel there in a trolley, In a trolley up you climb, Dong! Dong! You're in Hong Kong, Having yourself a time. You can eat, if you are in the mood, Shark-fin soup, bean cake fish. The girl who serves you all your food Is another tasty dish! You know you Can't have a new way of living Till you're living all the way On Grant Avenue. --Where is that?-- San Francisco, That's where's that! California U.S.A." |
| Warren Barker Orchestra | 77 Sunset Strip - TV Show Theme | This is a version of the original theme song to the private detective TV series (based on a non-existant address on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles) that ran from This version comes from the show's soundtrack album that was released in The much better original theme, with a faster tempo and finger snaps that sound like a whip cracking, was written by Mack David and Jerry Livingston, but I don't know who performed it. Listen to the original theme here. "Seventy Seven Sunset Strip Seventy Seven Sunset Strip Seventy Seven Sunset Strip The street that wears a fancy label That's glorified in song and fable. The most exciting people pass you by Including a private eye Seventy Seven Sunset Strip Seventy Seven Sunset Strip Seventy Seven Sunset Strip You'll meet the high brow and the hipster The starlet and the phony tipster You'll see most every kind of gal and guy Including a private eye Seventy Seven Sunset Strip Seventy Seven Sunset Strip Seventy Seven Sunset Strip" |
| Courtney Barnett | Kim's Caravan | Courtney Barnett, from Melbourne, Australia, is an outstanding singer-songwriter and a great guitar player, too. With a deadpan delivery she speak/sings about asthma attacks, organic vegetables, and house shopping, turning the mundane into the universal. After a couple of great EPs she released her first full album in March "Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit" on which you'll find this song which describes the devastation of Australia's environment, not California's, and mentions the Sunset Strip in Los Angeleeze only to clarify that she's not singing about it, she's singing about the Sunset Strip on Phillip Island, which is south of Melbourne, Australia, but it's a good excuse for me to put her on my list. For more great songs of hers check out Dead Fox, Avant Gardener, Depreston, Pedestrian at Best, An Illustration of Loneliness, and History Eraser. "Watermarks on the ceiling I can see Jesus and he's frowning at me I see a dead seal on the beach The old man says he's already saved it three times this week Guess it just wants to die I would wanna die too With people putting oil into my air But to be fair, I've done my share Guess everybody's got their different point of view I was walking down Sunset Strip, Phillip Island, not Los Angeles Got me some hot chips and a cold drink Took a sandy seat on the shore There's a paper on the ground, it makes my headache quite profound As I read it out aloud It said "The Great Barrier Reef it ain't so great anymore It's been raped beyond belief, the dredgers treat it like a whore" I drank 'til I was sinking, sank 'til I was thinking That I'm thankful for this view We either think that we're invincible or that we are invisible When realistically we're somewhere in between We all think that we're nobody but everybody is somebody else's somebody Don't ask me what I really mean I am just a reflection Of what you really wanna see So take you want from me" |
| Eef Barzelay | Shaker Star | |
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