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

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in Rock

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in RockSong Writing

We ring the Hell's Bells to see what songs and rockers are sincere in their Satanism, and how much of it is an act.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."