41 Best Songs About California Ever

“She’s So California” by Gary Allan

Song year: 2007

Gary Allan’s “She’s So California” is a country song that uses the state as a metaphor for a particular woman.

These lyrics compare this woman to some of the things California is best known for, including its beaches, earthquakes, wildfires, and wine. This song is about someone who is “so California.” She is exciting, irresistible, complicated, and untameable, just like the state.

“I Left My Heart in San Francisco” by Tony Bennett

Song year: 1962

Tony Bennett first performed the iconic “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco in 1962.

This tune compares San Francisco to other great world cities, and while they all have something to offer, it is San Francisco the speaker has fallen in love with.

“Lodi” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Song year: 1969

John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival wrote “Lodi,” taking inspiration from Central California road trips with his father. It appeared on their groundbreaking album, Green River.

 “Lodi” is about an aging musician who can’t seem to make it no matter how hard he tries,

While California conjures images of surfers, glamour, and riches, much of the state is rural and agricultural, and there are plenty of depressing little towns people find themselves stuck in.

“Ventura Highway” by America

Song year: 1972

“Ventura Highway” from Homecoming was written by Dewey Bunnell, inspired by a road sign Bunnell saw as a child when his family’s car had a flat tire. There isn’t a Ventura Highway in California, but Highway 101 runs through Ventura Country.

The somewhat cryptic lyrics of this song tell the story of someone who feels unsettled where they are and are on the verge of taking off somewhere else.

“California Love” by Tupac Shakur

Song year: 1996

From All Eyez on Me, this one celebrates the allure of California rap culture, sex, marijuana, and partying, while also touching on some of the darker elements of it, like addiction and violence. “California Love” shows all sides of California and affection for the state despite its darker side.

While centered around Southern California culture, this song also shouts out to San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento.

“Malibu” by Hole

Song year: 1998

Hole’s album, Celebrity Skin, as a whole, is critical of celebrity culture. However, “Malibu” carries a different sentiment. The song tells the story of the singer’s relationship with a troubled, depressed addict. She is trying to send him to Malibu for help and healing.

At its heart, this one is about the fact that it’s hard to recover and heal yourself while in a relationship, and it’s hard to be in a relationship with someone who is falling apart.

“California Nights” by Lesley Gore

Song year: 1966

“California Nights” was written by Marvin Hamlisch and Howard Liebling and appeared on Lesley Gore’s album of the same name.

The star-gazer love song depicts a peaceful California night, walking at the beach and swimming in the ocean. The singer decides she doesn’t want to leave. She wants to stay close to her lover and this wonderful feeling in this perfect place.

“California Sun” by The Ramones

Song year: 1977

“California Sun” is The Ramones’ high-energy, punked-up cover of the nostalgic surf rock hit made famous by The Rivieras.

The song’s speaker isn’t from California, but he’s excited and on his way. It’s a simple song about being warm in the sun in California, partying, dancing, and just enjoying life.

“Going Back to Cali” by LL Cool J

Song year: 1987

L.L. Cool J’s “Going Back to Cali” pays tribute to the state’s nickname.

The lyrics call on classic Southern California images like wine, fast cars, and the ocean to conjure up the exciting state and a reckless woman.

The song’s speaker is unsure about returning to “Cali.” Despite everything he loves about it or her, it’s also a lot of trouble waiting to happen.

“Meet Me in California” by The Plain White T’s

Song year: 2008

A recurring theme in many of these songs about California is the idea that California is just a better, happier, and healthier place. It’s like the promised land. The Plain White T’s buy into that myth one hundred percent in “Meet Me in California.”

This song is about a guy who has messed up big time. He’s leaving his lover, telling her everything is better in California, so he’s going off there, sure that it will turn him into a better man.