In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Don't you know baby I'm a leading man
I dig down deep when I say I love you
And I can hold my own with the best of them
I guarantee you, you will never see nothing like this again
California, I hope that it wakes you from all of the darkness
That I couldn't break through 'cause I'm gonna miss you
I'm gonna miss you, I'm gonna miss you, I'm gonna miss you
Don't you know that I did the things I could
I rubbed your back when you were sleeping
But all along baby it was understood
That you were leaving, absolutely
Since the very first day we met
California, I hope that it wakes you from all of the darkness
That I couldn't break through 'cause I'm gonna miss you
I'm gonna miss you, I'm gonna miss you, I'm gonna miss you
Like I miss the ocean when I go to sleep
Man, it's gonna break my heart
I dig down deep when I say I love you
And I can hold my own with the best of them
I guarantee you, you will never see nothing like this again
California, I hope that it wakes you from all of the darkness
That I couldn't break through 'cause I'm gonna miss you
I'm gonna miss you, I'm gonna miss you, I'm gonna miss you
Don't you know that I did the things I could
I rubbed your back when you were sleeping
But all along baby it was understood
That you were leaving, absolutely
Since the very first day we met
California, I hope that it wakes you from all of the darkness
That I couldn't break through 'cause I'm gonna miss you
I'm gonna miss you, I'm gonna miss you, I'm gonna miss you
Like I miss the ocean when I go to sleep
Man, it's gonna break my heart
Lyrics submitted by dragonflower44
California Lyrics as written by Mason Stewart Jennings
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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While i can see the reference to acting the rest of the song seems so sincere that i have to question whether or not he means that he is a leading man as in the best. he does say
"Don't you know baby I'm a leading man I dig down deep when I say I love you And I can hold my own with the best of them I guarantee you, you will never see nothing like this again"
it could mean that he is one of a kind and if she leaves him she will never have another man that is as good. or atleast they will be hard to find
He knew that she was leaving, from the very first day they met.. however i think that he had strong feelings for her when he says " i dig down deep when i say i love you" (look at that alliteration) and he felt like he tried everything he could do to make her stay yet couldnt get mad at her for leaving because that was her original plan.
I always associate people migrating to california in search of fame and something better...he's saying to her she dosen't need to go to cali (hollywood) to find a leading man he can be that for her here and now. i also like the line about him missing her like missing the ocean. It's interesting - maybe it's b/c Jennings is from Minneapolis but I imagine this song taking place in the midwest, where there is no ocean. so he loves her (and will "miss her...") like something he never had but could appreciate like the ocean.
hllywd24, you're right - a guy that rubs your back while asleep is rare....but he probably did it cause he knew she was leaving
his girl's choosing california over him. i hope the sun and surf was worth it. you don't find a guy that rubs your back while you sleep everyday.
He knew that she was leaving, from the very first day they met.. however i think that he had strong feelings for her when he says " i dig down deep when i say i love you" (look at that alliteration) and he felt like he tried everything he could do to make her stay yet couldnt get mad at her for leaving because that was her original plan.
Check the first verse. His references to being a leading man indicate he's only acting. Real love isn't about acting.