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

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian OrchestraSongwriter Interviews

Writing great prog metal isn't easy, especially when it's for 60 musicians.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."