California Stars Lyrics

[Verse 1]
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

[Verse 2]
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


[Verse 1]
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
[Verse 2]
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

[Outro]
So I’d give this world just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
Dream a dream with you

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About

Genius Annotation

The lyrics to this song were written at an unknown time likely between 1940 and 1967 by Woodie Guthrie. Guthrie never recorded or wrote music for these lyrics. His estate approached Billy Bragg and Wilco about writing and recording what would otherwise have been lost works.

They tell the story of a weary Oklahoman during the dust bowl era. He is dreaming of moving himself and his family to California, where he can rest his head and look up at the stars.

Woody Guthrie was born in Okemah, Oklahoma and moved to California in 1937 during the wave of dust bowl migrants. He only stayed for a few years before leaving to live on Mermaid Avenue in New York in 1940.

Credits
Mastering Engineer
Background Vocals
Electric Bass
Lap Steel Guitar
Percussion
Acoustic Guitar
Release Date
June 23, 1998
California Stars Interpolations
California Stars Live Performances
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