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Artist: Joni Mitchell
Track: California

Lyrics
Sitting in a park in Paris, France
Reading the news and it sure looks bad
They won't give peace a chance
That was just a dream some of us had
Still a lot of lands to see
But I wouldn't stay here
It's too old and cold and settled in its ways here

Oh, but California
California, I'm coming home
I'm going to see the folks I dig
I'll even kiss a sunset pig
California, I'm coming home

I met a redneck on a Grecian isle
Who did the goat dance very well
He gave me back my smile
But he kept my camera to sell
Oh the rogue, the red, red rogue
He cooked good omelets and stews
And I might have stayed on with him there
But my heart cried out for you, California
Oh California, I'm coming home
Oh make me feel good rock'n roll band
I'm your biggest fan
California, I'm coming home

Oh, it gets so lonely
When you're walking
And the streets are full of strangers
All the news of home you read
Just gives you the blues
Just gives you the blues

So I bought me a ticket
I caught a plane to Spain
Went to a party down a red dirt road
There were lots of pretty people there
Reading Rolling Stone, reading Vogue
They said, "how long can you hang around?"
I said a week, maybe two
Just until my skin turns brown
Then I'm going home to California
California, I'm coming home
Oh, will you take me as I am
Strung out on another man
California, I'm coming home

Oh, it gets so lonely
When you're walking
And the streets are full of strangers
All the news of home you read
More about the war
And the bloody changes
Oh will you take me as I am?
Will you take me as I am?
Will you?
Will you take me as I am?
Take me as I am
Full Lyrics and Meaning
Genius Lyrics
Joni Mitchell – California
“California” jumps along in short bursts, the lyrics giving snapshots of Joni’s European itinerary. Then comes the flowing chorus with its hint of tango, its plaintive pedal steel
Joni Mitchell – California - Blue Sessions Demo
[Verse 1] / Sitting in a park in Paris, France / Reading the news and it's all bad / They won't give peace a chance / That was just a dream some of us had / Still a lot of lands to
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AZ Lyrics
Joni Mitchell - California Lyrics
Joni Mitchell "California": Sitting in a park in Paris, France Reading the news and it sure looks bad They won't give peace a ch...
Led Zeppelin - Going To California Lyrics
"Going To California" is thought to be inspired by Joni Mitchell whom Robert Plant and Jimmy Page both liked very much. While playing the song in concerts ...
Genius Albums
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Get all the lyrics to songs on Dreamland and join the Genius community of music scholars to learn the meaning behind the lyrics.
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Joni Mitchell’s label released Blue 50 (Demos & Outtakes) on June 21, 2021, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of her 1971 fourth studio album and most acclaimed record Blue.
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Genius Artists
Joni Mitchell
Starting as a finger-picking folkie and winding up as a jazz-savvy experimentalist, Joni Mitchell has brought a sharp eye, light touch and an agile trill of a voice to her songs
Genius Q&A
Q:When did Joni Mitchell release “California”?
Joni Mitchell released “California” on June 22, 1971.