The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
If everybody in the U.S.A
Could come with us to Californ-I-a
We could take 'em to a place out west
Where the good sun shines everyday
Now there's a touch o' Californ-I-a
In everyone who's ever been this way
And when your telephone begins to ring
And the operator comes on the line
California callin'
I'll be there right away
There's some beautiful women
Gonna find me one
To show me how to ride the ultimate wave
Now I've joined the surfin' nation and so
I'll take a permanent vacation and go
To the golden shores of 'Frisco Bay
I'll ride 'em all the way to Malibu
And I'll take ya' boogie boardin' with me
'Cause when we're surfin' it's so great to be free
And when you're on a California beach
You might even find 'em windsurfin' too
California callin'
I'll be there right away
There's some beautiful women
Gonna find me one
To show me how to ride the ultimate wave
In the fifties it was "Hey Daddy O"
Then came the surfers and the Hodads ya' know
We had our woodies and our custom cars
And when we drove around we knew we were bad
My baby listens to my car radio
And when we're cruisin' lets the whole world know
And when our favorite surfin' song comes on
We always let 'em know it's "Totally Rad!"
California callin'
I'll be there right away
There's some beautiful women
Gonna find me one
To show me how to ride the ultimate wave
California callin'
She's still on the line
There's a beautiful woman
Gonna show me how
To ride 'em at the county line
California callin'
I'll be there right away
There's some beautiful women
Gonna find me one
To show me how to ride the ultimate wave
Could come with us to Californ-I-a
We could take 'em to a place out west
Where the good sun shines everyday
Now there's a touch o' Californ-I-a
In everyone who's ever been this way
And when your telephone begins to ring
And the operator comes on the line
California callin'
I'll be there right away
There's some beautiful women
Gonna find me one
To show me how to ride the ultimate wave
Now I've joined the surfin' nation and so
I'll take a permanent vacation and go
To the golden shores of 'Frisco Bay
I'll ride 'em all the way to Malibu
And I'll take ya' boogie boardin' with me
'Cause when we're surfin' it's so great to be free
And when you're on a California beach
You might even find 'em windsurfin' too
California callin'
I'll be there right away
There's some beautiful women
Gonna find me one
To show me how to ride the ultimate wave
In the fifties it was "Hey Daddy O"
Then came the surfers and the Hodads ya' know
We had our woodies and our custom cars
And when we drove around we knew we were bad
My baby listens to my car radio
And when we're cruisin' lets the whole world know
And when our favorite surfin' song comes on
We always let 'em know it's "Totally Rad!"
California callin'
I'll be there right away
There's some beautiful women
Gonna find me one
To show me how to ride the ultimate wave
California callin'
She's still on the line
There's a beautiful woman
Gonna show me how
To ride 'em at the county line
California callin'
I'll be there right away
There's some beautiful women
Gonna find me one
To show me how to ride the ultimate wave
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Sorry, Swing King, but I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this song. First, Mike Love's nasally vocal flat out ruins the song. Second, the lyrics are rather weak, and in my opinion, quite corny. Third, I think this song was nothing but a cash-in by Mike and Al on the classic style Brian had perfected in the 60s. Either that, or Mike and Al had some sort of a middle age crisis where they made a really bad attempt to recapture their youth.