California Song

Lyrics

I know you see Mars in the sky tonight
I know you can see Venus rising and veering off to the right.
but can you see that young star overhead?
it's the one that designed my undoing.
I know that in California the waves break on the beach.
and I know that the foam on the breaking waves
is as white as household bleach.
but do you[1] see that particular white right now
it's the color of the young star coming on down.
I got joy joy joy in my soul tonight
I got joy joy joy in my arms alright.
although you treat me badly,
I love you madly.
you really got a hold on me.
you really got a hold on me.

Banter

• ...coming off like a stupid romantic, it's kinda how I am, so, uh, this is about how, you know, sometimes, in a given summer, you're young and in love, and you think, you know, and you live, where you're from and where you grew up, and you have an affection for that place and you think, 'It's awesome to be young, and it's awesome to be in love, and it's awesome that we're both here in this town, and it's so nice', and that's what this song is about. (2009-10-13)
• Some songs you mean something when you write them, and others you learn what it meant later on through singing it. Those are the coolest ones. (2014-06-15)

Live Performances

Footnotes