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California Lyrics
California, California
You're such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed
Big time rollers, part time models
So much to plunder
That I think I'll sleep instead
I don't know this sea of neon
Thousand surfers, whiffs of freon
And big nights back east with Rhoda
California please
There's a moment
I've been saving
A kind of crucifix around this munchkin land
Up north freezing, little me drooling
That's Entertainment's on at eight
Come on Ginger slam
I don't know this sea of neon
Thousand surfers, whiffs of freon
And my new grandma Bea Arthur
Come on ever
Ain't it a shame that at the top
Peanut butter and jam they served you
Ain't it a shame that at the top
Still those soft skin boys can bruise you
Yes I fell for a streaker
I don't know this sea of neon
Thousand surfers, whiffs of freon
Ain't it a shame
That all the world can't enjoy your mad traditions
Ain't it a shame that all the world
Don't got keys to their own ignitions
Life is the longest death in California
California
You're such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed
So much to plunder that I think I'll sleep instead
You're such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed
So much to plunder that I think I'll sleep instead
You're such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed
Big time rollers, part time models
So much to plunder
That I think I'll sleep instead
Thousand surfers, whiffs of freon
And big nights back east with Rhoda
California please
I've been saving
A kind of crucifix around this munchkin land
Up north freezing, little me drooling
That's Entertainment's on at eight
Come on Ginger slam
Thousand surfers, whiffs of freon
And my new grandma Bea Arthur
Come on ever
Peanut butter and jam they served you
Ain't it a shame that at the top
Still those soft skin boys can bruise you
Yes I fell for a streaker
Thousand surfers, whiffs of freon
That all the world can't enjoy your mad traditions
Ain't it a shame that all the world
Don't got keys to their own ignitions
Life is the longest death in California
You're such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed
So much to plunder that I think I'll sleep instead
You're such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed
So much to plunder that I think I'll sleep instead
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It reminds me of a Bret Easton Ellis novel
Rufus said he was at a party at Marilyn Manson's house and saw a group of party-goers strip naked. He "fell in love" with one of the streakers.
The "peanut butter and jelly" line is also inspired by that party. It was a big Hollywood type party, but they were just serving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Hence: "Ain't it a shame that at the top..." they still serve you simple sandwiches.
It's a song about disillusionment, I feel.
Also, I thought it wasn't "surfers" but "thousands suffer."
I don't think Rufus hates California... but there are I guess certain issues with it.
why is rufus so awesome in the face? i don't know, but he is and this song always makes me think of my friend christopher, a former ohio boy gone oh-so-california! oh well, rufus has THE sexiest voice and such poetic lyrics, i love him and all his songs!
the way wainwright says 'California, please' sounds really sarcastic as if he's mocking it rather than praising.
I know what you mean megggan. To me, it's almost like he says, "California?! Please?" as in "Please don't joke".
I thought this song was flaming anti-California. Anyhow, I'm from San Diego but this song is one my favorites anyway.
you're right, fanster, but it's critisizing more than California, it's the pop-culture and materialism. it's a cry to the masses, "can we please talk about something besides Jennifer Lopez's new love interest or what plasic surgery pamela anderson had?"
This song immediately reminded me of these lines from The Catcher In The Rye:
"Now he's out in Hollywood, D.B., being a prostitute. If there's one thing I hate, it's the movies. Don't even mention them to me."
It is Holden talking about how his brother, D.B., used to be a really cool writer back home (when he wrote The Secret Goldfish), but now he's sold out and "gone Hollywood."
I'm not saying that Rufus necessarily had this in mind when he wrote the song, I just feel that the sentiments are similar.
i always thought he said "i fell for a straight girl" not "i fell for a streaker" but whatever.
I get that it's pretty sarcastic, "such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed"/"sleep instead". He's saying California is overrated, perhaps.