About the Song
California Dreamin’ is a song written by John and Michelle Phillips and first recorded by the American folk rock group the Mamas & the Papas in 1965. It was released as the second single from their debut album, If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears. The song reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number 1 in the United Kingdom.
The song is about a young person who is dreaming of a better life in California. The lyrics describe the beauty of the state, as well as the freedom and opportunity that it offers. The song has been interpreted as a commentary on the social and political upheaval of the 1960s, as well as a more personal reflection on the search for home.
California Dreamin’ has been covered by many artists, including the Beach Boys, José Feliciano, and Roberta Flack. It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including The Graduate (1967), Forrest Gump (1994), and The Big Lebowski (1998).
The song is a classic of American pop music and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a reminder of the power of music to transport us to another place and time.
Some interesting facts about the song:
- The song was inspired by John Phillips’s experience of driving across the country in the early 1960s.
- The song was originally recorded as a demo for Barry McGuire, but the Mamas & the Papas decided to record it themselves after hearing it.
- The song’s distinctive harmonies were created by the Mamas & the Papas’ four vocalists: John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty, and Cass Elliot.
- The song was an instant hit upon its release, and it helped to launch the Mamas & the Papas’ career.
- California Dreamin’ has been covered by many artists, including the Beach Boys, José Feliciano, and Roberta Flack.
- The song has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including The Graduate (1967), Forrest Gump (1994), and The Big Lebowski (1998).
California Dreamin’ is a classic of American pop music and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a reminder of the power of music to transport us to another place and time.
Barbara Desetto