California Stars

Album: Mermaid Avenue (1998)
Play Video
  • I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight
    On a bed of California stars
    I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight
    On a bed of California stars

    I'd love to feel
    Your hand touching mine
    And tell me why
    I must keep working on

    Yes I'd give my life
    To lay my head tonight on a bed
    Of California stars

    I'd like to dream
    My troubles all away
    On a bed of California stars

    Jump up from my starbed
    Make another day
    Underneath my California stars
    They hang like grapes
    On vines that shine
    And warm the lovers' glass
    Like friendly wine

    So I'd give this world
    Just to dream a dream with you
    On our bed of California stars

    I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight
    On a bed of California stars
    I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight
    On a bed of California stars

    I'd love to feel
    Your hand touching mine
    And tell me why
    I must keep working on

    Yes I'd give my life
    To lay my head tonight on a bed
    Of California stars

    I'd like to dream
    My troubles all away
    On a bed of California stars

    Jump up from my starbed
    Make another day
    Underneath my California stars

    They hang like grapes
    On vines that shine
    And warm the lovers' glass
    Like friendly wine

    So I'd give this world
    Just to dream a dream with you
    On our bed of California stars

    So I'd give this world
    Just to dream a dream with you
    On our bed of California stars

    (Dream a dream with you) Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Bob from SansworldWoody's daughter Nora suggest this was written in the late 30's. Woody's transcription of the lyrics say it was written in Long Beach, 827 Cedar Avenue. I suppose it could have been in the early 40's, less likely from the 50's, but 1967 is completely unfeasible.

    http://audio.californiareport.org/archive/R201308021630/e
  • Silver from Las Angelas, CaFrom a recent Jay Bennett online interview:

    What?s been your most rewarding musical experience?

    Jay Bennett: Hands down, putting Woody Guthrie lyrics to music at the generous invitation of his daughter, Nora, and Billy Bragg. My particular highlight of this experience is also my most proud songwriting accomplishment ? writing the music for ?California Stars.?
  • Silver from Las Angelas, CaThis one is written by to Wilco's guitarist Jay Bennett (words are obviously by Woody Guthrie).
    Many feel this is the gem of the Bragg/Wilco collaboration.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Victoria Williams

Victoria WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Peter Lord

Peter LordSongwriter Interviews

You may not recognize his name, but you will certainly recognize Peter Lord's songs. He wrote the bevy of hits from Paula Abdul's second album, Spellbound.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Which Songs are About Drugs?

Which Songs are About Drugs?Fact or Fiction

"25 or 6 to 4" to "Semi-Charmed Life" - see if you can spot the songs that are really about drugs.