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

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Lita Ford

Lita FordSongwriter Interviews

Lita talks about how they wrote songs in The Runaways, and how she feels about her biggest hit being written by somebody else.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.