Learn English with Songs – California Dreamin’ by The Mama’s and the Papa’s

Hi everyone,

We have found the perfect song to practice pronunciation!

It’s a very well known song by a group called the Mama’s and the Papa’s. Have you ever heard about them? They were an American folk rock vocal group that performed from 1965 to 1968. So this is an old classic!

“California Dreamin” is one of their most popular songs. The lyrics of the song express the singer’s longing for the warmth of the hot weather in California during a cold winter.

It’s a great song to practice English because the lyrics are pronunced very clearly. It is easy to understand and to imitate the pronunciation.

Ok, this is what you have to do:

1. Read the lyrics
2. Understand the vocabulary
3. Sing!

Lyrics

All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray.
I’ve been for a walk on a winter’s day.
I’d be safe and warm if I was in L.A.;
California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day.

Stopped in to a church I passed along the way.
Well I got down on my knees and I pretend to pray.
You know the preacher liked the cold;
He knows I’m gonna stay.
California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day.

All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray.
I’ve been for a walk on a winter’s day.
If I didn’t tell her I could leave today;
California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day.
California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day.
California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day.

Vocabulary

Warm – somewhat hot : not cool or cold.

Such – of the kind specified.

Pretend – to act as if something is true when it is not true.

Pray – to speak to God especially in order to give thanks or to ask for something.

Preacher – a person who speaks publicly about religious subjects in a Christian church or other public place.

Music Video

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