The Mamas & the Papas’ Single from the Album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears
- B-side: “Somebody Groovy”
- Release Date: December 8, 1965
- Recording Date: November 4, 1965
- Recording Studio: United Western, Hollywood
- Genre: Sunshine pop, folk rock, soft rock
- Length: 2:42
- Label: Dunhill • RCA Victor
- Songwriters: John Phillips, Michelle Phillips
- Producer: Lou Adler
About The Song
“California Dreamin'” is a song written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips in 1963 and first recorded by Barry McGuire. The best-known version is by the Mamas & the Papas, who sang backup on the original version and released it as a single in December 1965. The song became an instant hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one in the United Kingdom. It has since been covered by many other artists, including the Beach Boys, the Carpenters, and the Beatles.
The song is a wistful ode to California, written by John Phillips during a particularly cold winter in New York City. The lyrics express the narrator’s longing for the warmth and sunshine of California. The song is also seen as a metaphor for the California Dream, the idea of a better life in California.
The Mamas & the Papas’ version of “California Dreamin'” is a classic example of the California sound, with its lush harmonies and mellow instrumentation. The song features a simple but effective arrangement, with a fingerpicked guitar, acoustic bass, and drums. The Mamas & the Papas’ vocals are the star of the show, with their tight harmonies and soulful delivery.
“California Dreamin'” is a timeless song that has resonated with listeners for generations. It is a song about hope, longing, and the pursuit of a better life. It is also a song about the beauty of California, both its physical beauty and its mythical status as a place of opportunity and dreams.
The song is still popular today, and is often used in movies and television shows. It is also a popular song to cover by other artists. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine ranked “California Dreamin'” number 193 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.