California Dreamin

The Bird Sings Oral Tradition Song Library

California Dreamin

A four-part arrangement of the popular original hit by The Mama’s & The Papa’s.

Composer & Copyright

Original song by The Mama’s & The Papa’s. Arranged for 4-part chorus by Lisa G. Littlebird.

Recording

Recorded by Lisa G. Littlebird with Rayner Marx on guitar.

Inspiration Track

Lyrics

All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey
I’ve been for a walk on a winters day
I’d be safe and warm if I was in L.A.
California dreaming on such a winters day

Stepped into a church I passed along the way
Well, I got down on my knees and I pretend to pray
You know the preacher likes the cold
he knows I’m gonna stay
California dreaming on such a winters day

All the leaves a brown and the sky is grey
I’ve been for a walk on a winters day
If I didn’t tell her I could leave today
California dreaming on such a winters day
On such a winters day, on such a winters day

 

Teaching Notes

This song is a joy to sing and easy to teach in some ways, because of its familiarity with most people. Learning the details of the dense harmonies in the four-part arrangement can take some time. Best performed with drums and instrumental. The melody is in the alto and tenor with the bass and soprano holding the echo.

Song is in the original key of C#.

7

Level of teaching speed/ difficulty (1 = very easy, 10 = very challenging)

 

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7 Comments
  • Laura Gillespie

    This a great arrangement, but who is actually singing the lead? It seems to be in the background for all of these parts.

    Thanks!

    Laura

    • Jen Kazen

      Hi Laura! Lisa G. Littlebird is the vocals for all four parts. Thank you.

  • Hi Lisa, There is no recording of California Dreaming on your site. Could you send it to us somehow? Arana Kalwaic, abqchoirmagic@gmail.com, ubuntuchoirs.net

    • Lisa G.

      Hello Arana! I’m sorry about that but it will be another month or two before I have those available. I had recorded my arrangement over the original published recording which isn’t allowed to be posted by Soundcloud. I’m going to re-do the recordings in the coming weeks and will post it here when I do!

  • Jolene

    Hi Lisa, would you please send me a recording of California Dreamin’?

  • Hi Lisa, If you can share your parts/recording of California Dreamin”
    I would love to have it for my Ubuntu Choir. Blessings, Arana Kalwaic

  • Hi Lisa, I would love to have a recording of California Dreamin’

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