California Dreamin’ Chords

The song's harmony is defined by its use of the Aeolian mode (natural minor) combined with the sharp pull of the Harmonic Minor's major dominant (V). The progression C#m-B-A-B-G# is distinctive because it uses the VII (B) as a passing chord both descending and ascending, creating a 'circular' feeling that evokes the repetitive, obsessive nature of the protagonist's homesickness. The brief touch upon the III chord (E major) provides a flicker of the 'California' light before the G#7 dominant pulls the listener back into the 'grey' New York winter of the C# minor tonic.

Written by John and Michelle Phillips in 1963 while they were living in New York City. John woke Michelle up in the middle of the night at the Albert Hotel to help him finish the lyrics after a walk through the city. The song was originally given to Barry McGuire to record, but The Mamas and the Papas eventually recorded their own version using the same backing track with a replaced vocal lead and an added flute solo.

Released in 1965, this track defined the 'Sunshine Pop' sound while masking deep melancholy beneath lush four-part vocal harmonies. It remains a definitive anthem of the 1960s counterculture and a pinnacle of the West Coast folk-rock movement.