The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin’
Inspiration Behind California Dreamin’:
John and Michelle Phillip endured the harsh winter of 1963, living in New York City at this time. As someone who lived in the snowbelt in Cleveland, Ohio, you can only take so much bitter cold and shoving snow. The Phillips were newlyweds, living in a cramped apartment with a group of folk singers. When you are stuck inside for an extended period of time, thoughts are warmer. nicer days conceived California Dreamin’.
Biblical Application:
Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.5 The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.6 The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. Ecclesiastes 1:4-6.
Exegesis of California Dreamin’:
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.)
This young couple write about a lifeless winter in New York City. When it’s not snowing, they will take walks. Yet the cold landscape conceives images of a warmer place like Los Angeles.
California dreamin’ (California dreamin’)
On such a winter’s day
This setting inspired California dreaming.
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 like the cold (preacher like the cold)
He knows I’m gonna stay (knows I’m gonna stay)
California dreamin’ (California dreamin’)
On such a winter’s day
On Sunday, they went to church, searching for a sign of hope. John got down on one of the altars, bowing his head. However, the message of the preacher turned him off as if he was stuck in New York for good. This experience only intended his desire to move to a warmer place.
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)
If I didn’t tell her (if I didn’t tell her)
I could leave today (I could leave today)
Seeing trees without leaves cam be depressing. The Phillips long for a place full of life.
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
This is the inspiration behind California dreaming, searching for warmth and a place full of life.
Final Thoughts:
I have lived and traveled to northern states. I witnessed snow on Memorial Day weekend. I experienced snow in July while visiting Montana. I even saw snow in the mountains of Maine in late August. You could be in the middle of summer and still experience winter. On the other hand, it may be so hot where you live today that you’re praying for an early fall. Since weather cnages constantly, all you can do is enjoy that great weather days that come your way.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 