California Dreamin’ is one of the most instantly recognisable pop tunes from the 1960’s. It became a signpost of the California sound, heralding the arrival of the nascent counterculture era. I must have heard this song a thousand times but it never disappoints. The Mamas & the Papas were a leading vocal group of the 60s from New York. The group recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968, releasing five albums and charting ten hit singles that hold up as well today as they did back in the sunshine era. The foursome hit it big immediately after forming The Mamas & the Papas with today’s featured track California Dreamin‘, still their most recognizable and enduring song.
[Chorus 1]
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
[Verse]
Stopped in to 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
The name of the band was inspired by a daytime television talk show. Wanting an easier name to remember, they were sitting around their house (which all four band members initially shared) brainstorming on a new name. Someone switched on the TV and a talk show was on with a Hells Angel. The first thing they heard was: “Now hold on there, Hoss. Some people call our women cheap, but we just call them our Mamas.” Cass jumped up and exclaimed, “Yeah! I want to be a Mama!” Michelle chimed in that she wanted to be a “Mama” too. John and Denny looked at each other and John said, “Papas? Okay, problem solved.” And the band had a new name.
The single California Dreamin‘ was released in late 1965 but was not an immediate breakthrough. After gaining little attention in Los Angeles, a radio station in Boston was the catalyst to break 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. California Dreamin‘ was the top single on the Billboard end-of-the-year survey for 1966.
References:
1. California Dreamin’ – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
It’s simply one of the best pop songs of the 60s. Harmonies, melody, and lyrics…all perfect.
It’s iconic. I don’t think any other song has captured the zeitgeist of that epoch better.
Cool song. Mama Cass was something.
She was. I didn’t realise until reading about them, that she died of a heart attack on tour in the 70’s. Sad.
I remember it well. I was young and it really made me sad.
I didn’t know it would have been big news her passing. That’s interesting.
It was all over the airwaves. I believe I was 10 or 11 years old.
Ok gotya. Some arseholes spread the rumor she choked on food unless I’m mistaken.
She did choke on a sandwich they said. Also claimed she was in bed eating it while on “drugs”. Tragic.
Who would make up such a thing? Gee.
Even back then lol
Loved the Mamas & the Papas, and “California Dreamin'” is one of my top 5 favorite songs of all time.