You know the preacher likes the cold/
He knows I’m gonna stay.

“California Dreamin” is about the Mamas and Papas’ dreams of making it to California. In their mind, California is a utopia that has a great community and is always warm. The trek to get there seems to take a lifetime for the young group. It is all they can think of, but they think they’ll make it.

The vocals on “California Dreamin” are what really stand out. Specifically, the kind of call-and-response: where the band echoes the lead singers’ line. (Technically called an echo or counterpoint). The band is great at harmonizing. An argument could be made that they are the best.

Mama Cass has the most outstanding voice. Her voice seems to stand out when they harmonize, both in this song and in others.

And who knew Michelle Phillips co-wrote “California Dreamin” along with Papa John Phillips? They are one of the best rock couples of all-time.  And Denny Doherty! Who delivers an excellent, underrated lead vocal and he is the least known bandmember. How often is the lead singer the least-known member of the band?

Part of what I love about The Mamas & The Papas is their fashion and their looks are just incredible and outrageous. And of course, their musical talent is revolutionary and still sounds fresh today. These things juxtaposed with a name that is so…old-fashion sounding can be surprising and dissonant.

The line above about how the preacher loves the cold weather because he knows he’ll get a more captive audience is one of the more memorable in rock. The flute solo sounds great. Good choice of solo instrument.  Perfect.

More songs from the Mamas and Papas.

California Dreamin’ Lyrics

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey)
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

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

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey)
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)

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

written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips