41 Best Songs About California Ever

“California” by Phantom Planet

Song year: 2002

Phantom Planet’s “California” appeared on their album, The Guest. It was also the theme song to the television show The O.C. All band members are from California, and this is their story and tribute to the state.

The song tells the story of a group of people, or a band, who left California to build their career and fortune, and now they’re roaring back home, excited, accomplished, and ready to feel the love from their home state.

“Going to California” by Led Zeppelin

Song year: 1971

Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California” from Led Zeppelin 4 is another song about The Sunshine State inspired by Joni Mitchell’s California.

The beautifully poetic lyrics tell the story of a man who wants to leave his mean girlfriend and start over in California, where he hopes to find a new, creative woman. It is a song about pining for a fresh life and new love.

“It Never Rains in Southern California” by Albert Hammond

Song year: 1972

The lyrics of this Albert Hammond song follow the speaker’s journey to try to make it big in California. He hears that “It Never Rains in Southern California,” and despite the meteorological truth, he learns it’s not all sun and opportunity.

This song is about promises that are too good to be true. It also speaks to the reality of the competitiveness of “making it” and how even though it is so common to fail, it is nevertheless demoralizing and embarrassing.

“I Love L.A.” by Randy Newman

Song year: 1983

L.A. officials approached Randy Newman to write a song celebrating the city for the 1984 Olympics. Instead, he wrote “I Love L.A.,” which wasn’t what L.A. had in mind.

The song is not a romantic ode to the city, but it captures the real experience of L.A., including the unsavory bits. It’s about loving a place for all it is, the good and the not-so-good.

“California (There is No End to Love)” by U2

Song year: 2014

From U2’s Songs of Innocence comes “California (There is No End to Love), a song inspired by the band’s first trip to California.

The lyrics here speak about love and grief. No matter where you go, even if you go to beautiful California, those feelings of loss and pain stay with you.

“Los Angeles, I’m Yours” by The Decemberists

Song year: 2003

The Decemberists are well known for their old-fashioned sensibilities and epic storytelling in song. “Los Angeles, I’m Yours” from Her Majesty The Decemberists is a fun romp through a romanticized depravity of Los Angeles.

This song is about how even if you hate a place, it can still have an irresistible hold on you. Whether that hold is love or possession, who knows? Either way, you belong to the city!

“Garden Grove” by Sublime

Song year: 1992

Sublime’s “Garden Grove,” from their album 40 OZ. to Freedom, is a funky, reggae rock tune about the Orange County, California town.

Here is the drug-addled youth of California. The singer is living in filth and depression. No one respects him. He has no prospects. But he does have passions and love.

This song is about finding what gets you through even the bleakest days and being honest about your situation.

“Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” by Dionne Warwick

Song year: 1968

Dionne Warwick’s catchy “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

In this song, the singer left home to make it big in L.A. After a long time struggling, losing hope, and barely scraping by, it’s clear she’s never going to be a star, and she can’t keep living like this.

It’s about what happens when your dreams don’t come true, and you have to figure out when and how to give it up and go back home.

“Big Sur” by Jack Johnson

Song year: 2017

Jack Johnson’s “Big Sur” refers to a stretch of Central California Coast off the famous Pacific Coast Highway.

Big Sure is a popular hiking and camping destination, and this song is full of images such as trees, rocks, birds, and guitars.

This song is about connecting with life and nature and using that connection to fuel you and keep you going in this crazy life.

“I Remember California” by REM

Song year: 1988

“I Remember California,” from REM’s Green, features lyrics full of bright, striking images and unexpected rhymes.

The song relies on the ocean, nature, citrus, and sun, to create a summery beach feel that sets the stage for the story of a relationship that has fallen off the end of the earth.

This song is about the things you remember about a place, the emotional scars that linger.