Songs A-Z - C is for California Dreamin'
By LindaOH
@LindaOHio (181821)
United States
June 19, 2020 3:54pm CST
In 1963 Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas was recently married to John Phillips, also of the same group. It was a very cold winter in New York City; and Michelle was from California. John worked out the first verse of the song based on Michelle's homesickness. "I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A."
Michelle liked to visit churches; and Michelle and John stopped in to St. Patrick's Cathedral. Another verse was initiated. "Stopped into a church, I passed along the way".
The song was released in 1965 and certified as a Gold record (single) in June 1966 and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. It scored the #4 position both on the Billboard Hot 100 and Cashbox.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
California Dreaming performed by the Mamas and the Papas Lyrics: All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown) And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey...
19 people like this
19 responses
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
11 Aug 20
I often sing this song always makes me happy its a very singable song.
1 person likes this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
11 Aug 20
@LindaOHio
Thank you I will try to have a good week although its very up and down.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35762)
•
19 Jun 20
Wasn't that a great song 
I would rather be in LA too than the cold weather of NYC. The flute solo was a great idea on the part of Papa John
I would rather be in LA too than the cold weather of NYC. The flute solo was a great idea on the part of Papa John 1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (80812)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Jun 20
I have always loved this song. It was always the hardest to hear this song on winter mornings when I was living and working in NYC.
1 person likes this
@Kaleidoscop (132)
• Lagos, Nigeria
20 Jun 20
Thanks for this. I only knew the Sia's cover of California dreamin' and I lovée the song.
1 person likes this
@Cateedellyn (51)
• Virgin Islands (U.S.)
20 Jun 20
There is something I like about one of them.. Thank you
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121731)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Jun 20
California Dreamin' is a great song by the Mamas & The Papas!
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (117146)
• Anniston, Alabama
20 Jun 20
I still hear this and like it
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
19 Jun 20
I love that song, there are great memories from this one!
1 person likes this
