41 Best Songs About California Ever
Contents
“The Little Old Lady from Pasadena” by Jan and Dean
Song year: 1964
Jan and Dean’s “The Little Old Lady from Pasadena” was inspired by a Dodge ad campaign featuring, you got it, a little old lady from Pasadena who was something of a mean, car-racing speed demon, which captured the cultural imagination of the time.
Besides being fun, it’s also a reminder not to judge a book by its cover.
“Lullaby” by Shawn Mullins
Song year: 1998
From his album, Soul’s Core, Shawn Mullins wrote “Lullaby” after a conversation with a girl after one of his shows.
The lyrics describe a woman born to wealth and connection in L.A. but still at odds with that lifestyle. The singer doesn’t make fun of her or discount her feelings. He’s just trying to soothe her. Life is hard for everyone.
“Santa Monica” by Everclear
Song year: 1996
Everclear singer Art Alexakis was raised in Santa Monica, California, and wrote this song in tribute to the city.
This song about ending a bad relationship evokes “Santa Monica” through beaches, palm trees, and warm weather. The singer is conjuring up this happy, safe place in his mind to ease his pain.
“Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys
Song year: 1963
The Beach Boys are back with “Surfin’ USA” from their album of the same title because you can’t get much more quintessentially and stereotypically California than The Beach Boys.
This song is part celebration of surf culture and a guidebook to the hottest surf spots in and out of California.
The song’s concept is that the ocean and surf culture influences the larger culture of a place.
“Ukiah” by The Doobie Brothers
Song year: 1973
Ukiah is the largest city in Mendocino, California, noted for its pears and Victorian architecture. It’s this laid-back, quiet place The Doobie Brothers celebrate in “Ukiah.”
This funky rocker of a track is about living on and with the land. It contrasts a life spent working with your hands, surrounded by nature, with the lifestyle of people so busy rushing around that they never really build or appreciate anything.
“California Soul” by Marlena Shaw
Song year: 1969
Marlena Shaw’s “California Soul” is an Ashford & Simpson composition first recorded by The Fifth Dimension.
This song is about California soul music and the state’s fresh, carefree vibe and soul.
“Straight Outta Compton” by NWA
Song year: 1988
“Straight Outta Compton” by NWA is all about gangsta life on the streets of South-Central L.A.
Ice Cube wasn’t glorifying this way of life. He was just being honest and telling it like it was, neither condoning nor condemning it. He was telling the uncomfortable truths.
“Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash
Song year: 1956
California isn’t all sun and dreams. Folsom Prison is a maximum security prison about 20 miles from Sacramento. With his song “Folsom Prison Blues,” as well as his concerts there and in San Quentin, Johnny Cash was among the few celebrities who spoke up for prisoners’ rights.
The song’s speaker is a prisoner who hears a train passing by. He imagines the people on the train, wondering where they’re going. If he’s jealous of anything is that they are free and moving forward, constantly moving forward, and he is not.
“Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Song year: 1989
The iconic “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers takes the listener on a Southern California tour.
The lyrics capture the culture of L.A., the hopes, dreams, and selfishness. It’s a place where people are desperately seeking connection. It’s also where people will take advantage of you just because they can.
“California Stars” by Billy Bragg & Wilco
Song year: 1998
The Billy Bragg & Wilco collaboration album Mermaid Avenue came about when Woody Guthrie’s estate contacted Billy Bragg with a folder of song lyrics Guthrie never wrote music for or recorded.
The dreamy “California Stars” is a kind of lullaby for adults. Simply put, it is a song about finding a place of comfort and never wanting to leave it, whether that place is a physical location.
“Streets of Bakersfield” by Dwight Yokum and Buck Owens
Song year: 1988
The last one on this list is the country song “Streets of Bakersfield,” which takes inspiration from the agricultural city known as the “armpit” and California.
This song tells the story of a man who’s had a rough life. He hitchhikes to Bakersfield, trying to find a place where he can be himself.
This song is about not judging people without being in their shoes.
Top Songs About California, Final Thoughts
California is a coastal state. There’s sun and surf, glamor and beauty. With its gold, fame, and Silicon Valley money, California is a land of opportunity and freedom. Or is it?
These best songs about California capture so many different experiences of the state. Whether you’re feeling homesick, ready to chase a dream or set one aside, these are great to listen to whenever you’re feeling a California vibe.
