Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Californication" (US #69, 2000)
In 1965, The Mamas & the Papas, stuck in a dreary New York City, pined for a warm Los Angeles day in "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 LA
(If I was in LA)
California dreamin'
(California dreamin') on such a winter's day.
The Mamas & the Papas were certainly not alone in longing for
California. For decades, hundreds of artists have drawn inspiration from
California, and their songs are as diverse as the state itself. For
this reflection, examine three of the following songs (one whole California, one NorCal, one SoCal).
In your examination, consider how the state is portrayed through all
aspects of the song (e.g. melody, lyrics). What images are used? What
emotions are evoked? Is it a realistic portrayal of the state or a fantasy? Finally, is the California of these
songs something you've experienced?
Whole California:
Leslie Gore, "California Nights"
Phantom Planet, "California"
LL Cool J, "Going Back to Cali"
Eagles, "Life in the Fast Lane"
Al Jolson, "California, Here I Come"
Carole King, "Back to California"
2Pac, "California Love"
The Presidents of the United States of America, "Fuck California"
Joni Mitchell, "California"
The Beach Boys, "Surfin' USA"
Eagles, "Hotel California"
The Decemberists, "California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade"
Katy Perry, "California Gurls"
The Beach Boys, "California Girls"
Sammy Hagar, "I Can't Drive 55"
Northern California:
Linda Ronstadt, ""Talk to Me of Mendocino"
Johnny Cash, "Folsom Prison Blues"
The Doobie Brothers, "Ukiah"
Journey, "Lights"
Tony Bennett, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco"
Otis Redding, "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay"
Scott McKenzie, "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)"
Judy Garland, "San Francisco"
Chris Isaak, "San Francisco Days"
Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Lodi"
Dionne Warwick, "Do You Know the Way to San Jose"
The Thrills, "Santa Cruz (You're Not that Far)"
Southern California:
Dwight Yoakam, "Streets of Bakersfield"
Jan and Dean, "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena"
Doris Day, "Hooray for Hollywood"
Collective Soul, "Hollywood"
Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band, "Hollywood Nights"
Randy Newman, "I Love LA"
Missing Persons, "Walking in LA"
Hole, "Celebrity Skin"
Sheryl Crow, "All I Wanna Do"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Under the Bridge"
The Doors, "LA Woman"
Tom Petty, "Free Fallin'"
Frank Sinatra, "LA is My Lady"
Tom Waits, "San Diego Serenade"
Here are some of the most popular websites for song lyrics:
Requirements:
- Must be in MLA Style
- Must be two full pages in length
- Must include a works cited page
Due: Wednesday, Oct. 17th
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