Billy Bragg and Wilco – California Stars

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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 star bed
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 star bed
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)

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Lyrics submitted by pro-voice

Track duration: 04:59

"California Stars" as written by Jeff Tweedy, Jay Bennett, Woody Guthrie

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

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California Stars song meanings
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20 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment:Certainly because Tweedy didn't write it this contains none of the trademark anxiety, frustration, longing or self-loathing. However, he does make the words his own. For me this lyric boils down to this: two young people in love are laying on a grassy meadow on a summer night, warm breeze blowing, and they're looking at the stars dreaming of the future. Their thoughts drift of in this idyllic setting. It's the beginning of the 20th century and the guy's got a thankless, low-pay job but he's willing to endure it just as long as he's got these magic moments every so often with his sweetheart. The desire to "rest their head on california stars" feels like a longing for a vacation, and consequently a more financially stable life, but for now they can just look at them and they're happy. Or you know, I could be wrong lol.


    just to dream a dream with you
    On a bed of California stars
    Flag iattbyhon February 13, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:There is a documentary on the making of these songs (Woody's songs, for "Mermaid Avenue I and II). It is very interesting to hear Woody's daughter, Nora(h), talk about her dad, his life and her childhood. What a colorful character Woody was. As much as I love and respect Bob Dylan, I think Billy Bragg and Wilco did a phenomenal job with these songs. "California Stars" is a gem. From the moment I heard this song many years ago, it has been one of my favorites. These lyrics are so beautiful and simple.

    I agree with some comments above. It is "dreamy", yes.... And it definitely makes me think of the one I love and the comfort he brings to me. Feelings of happiness, contentment and peace. "I'd give this world...."

    To me, Woody Guthrie was an incredible poet and such an interesting man. Jeff Tweedy is a musical genius. I am thrilled that it all came together on the Mermaid Avenue CDs. If you don't own them, go out and buy them at the record store!
    Flag QueenRascalon June 25, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This may be my favorite Wilco song, I don't know why either. I love so many other songs, and there are many that say much more, but this is so good, and fun to sing along with
    Flag lukewagoneeron April 21, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:yah, beeman, your's isn't just an "interesting interpretation"--it's definitely what guthrie had in mind, and it's not very hidden. guthrie often wrote about the dust bowl and depression-era issues, california was supposed to be the promised land for any poor person in the mid-west, it's certainly not an accident. the california stars as a quilt pattern does make a cool double meaning, too.
    Flag thereisnospoon1on March 10, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:regardless of what woody meant to say, to me it makes me think of - as Susan_The_BassPlaye(r?) says - lying back dreaming of things to come. it's a beautiful and optimistic track that reminds me of driving through tennessee, blue skies and all.
    Flag mankatron2008on November 27, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Excellent. I love the dreamy, hazy feeling of this song.
    Flag plastic_sconeson November 09, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Another testament of Tweedy’s musical genius, national treasures complimenting national tresures…
    Flag ray_killeenon October 31, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Just a flawless song. Conjures such imagery of wanting to be with the one you love. Great lyrics by Guthrie and execution by Wilco.
    Flag hammersavageon August 13, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:My family lives in California, while I go to school in Michigan; so this song often reminds me of how much I want to be at home.
    Flag tutumanon December 30, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Bead Beeman,

    Yours is an interesting interpretation. But I don't think that there's anything hidden beneath this song. I simply think it's about a time (before smog) when a young romantic man would just lie on his back on a hillside, stargaze, and think of his true love.
    Flag Susan_The_BassPlayeon November 25, 2007   Link

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