– “California Blue” is a song written by Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty.
About The Song
Roy Orbison’s “California Blue” is a poignant ballad that captures the feeling of longing and heartache. Released in 1989, the song was a critical and commercial success, and it remains one of Orbison’s most popular songs.
The song was written by Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, two of Orbison’s closest collaborators. Lynne and Petty were both fans of Orbison’s music, and they were eager to write a song that would showcase his unique vocal style.
“California Blue” is a slow, atmospheric song with a haunting melody. Orbison’s vocals are full of emotion, and they perfectly convey the song’s message of loss and regret.
The song’s lyrics are about a man who is haunted by the memories of a lost love. He dreams of California, where he was once happy with his lover, but he now feels only emptiness and despair.
The song’s title, “California Blue,” is a reference to the feeling of sadness and melancholy that the man feels. California is often seen as a place of happiness and sunshine, but for the man in the song, it is a symbol of lost love and unfulfilled dreams.
“California Blue” was a critical and commercial success. It reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was nominated for a Grammy Award. The song was also praised by critics, who called it one of Orbison’s best songs.
“California Blue” remains one of Orbison’s most popular songs. It has been covered by many artists, including Bonnie Raitt, R.E.M., and The Black Crowes. The song has also been featured in several films, including “Natural Born Killers” and “The Matrix Reloaded.”
“California Blue” is a classic ballad that is sure to touch the hearts of listeners for generations to come. It is a song about love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.
Fun Facts
- “California Blue” was the first song that Orbison recorded with Lynne and Petty.
- The song was originally intended to be a duet between Orbison and Petty, but Orbison ultimately decided to sing it solo.
- The song’s music video was directed by David Lynch.
Video
Lyric
Working all day and the sun don’t shine
Trying to get by and I’m just killing time
I feel the rain fall the whole night through
Far away from you California blueCalifornia blue dreaming all alone
Nothing else to do California blue
Everyday I pray I’ll be on my way
Saving love for you California blueOne sunny day, I’ll get back again
Somehow, someway but I don’t know when
California blue, California blueLiving my life with you on my mind
Thinking of things that I left far behind
It’s been so long doing all I can do
To get back to you California blueCalifornia blue
(California blue)
Dreaming all alone
(California blue)Nothing else to do
(California blue)
California blue
Everyday I pray I’ll be on my way
Saving love for you California blueOne sunny day I’ll get back again
Somehow, someway but I don’t know when
California blue, California blueStill missing you California blue
Still missing you California blue
Still missing you California blue