California. There is not enough to say about this great state and how much fun it is to live here! From the beautiful beaches, the food, the wine, and the museums to the outdoors, the nightlife, and parks . . . there are just too many fun things to list as reasons we love the Golden State.
Musicians seems to agree: there are so many great songs about California! The following is a list of the best songs about California, but there are MANY more: for a complete list of songs about California, check out this wiki page.
The Best Songs about California for ESL Students
“California Love” by 2Pac
Perhaps the most famous rap song of all time also happens to be the anthem of many Californians. California definitely knows how to party! Want to have some fun while you are a student in California? Check out some of the fun things to do, such as exploring San Diego’s Gaslamp.
“California Gurls” by Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s song is a recent hit, and has quickly become a favorite. It is one of the many songs celebrating the “California” girl. To also be a “California girl” while you’re here, make sure to check out the state’s beautiful beaches and try surfing!
“California” by Phantom Planet
If you watched the TV show The OC, then you will recognize this hit! It’s a great song to sing as you are on your way to study English in California: California, here I come! Before coming to California as an English student, learn some California slang so you sound like a local.
“California Here I Come” by Al Jolson
The original song about coming to California, this is a classic! Another thing that is classically Californian? In N Out burgers! Give them a try!
“California Girls” by the Beach Boys
Another classic hit, the Beach Boys’ “California Girls” began the trend of singing about California’s ladies. This beach song is still popular!
“Hotel California” by The Eagles
Perhaps the most mysterious of all the songs, and one of the most unforgettable, is the Eagles’ classic hit. Check out our lesson using this song as practice for the Cambridge CAE Part II.
“Californication” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
This song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers has been on California radio station playlists for over 10 years. We will not tell you what the song title is about: you have to Google that yourself!
“Queen of California” by John Mayer
A mellow and relaxing summer song, this hit by John Mayer quickly became a favorite of Californians. It really catches the laid-back vibe of the state.
“Going Back to Cali” by LL Cool J
Another great anthem about traveling to California is LL Cool J’s 90s hit. Sing this the next time you book a course for CISL and return!
“Heads Carolina, Tails California” by Jo Dee Messina
This country hit is another classic, and another song about traveling to California, “somewhere greener, somewhere warmer.” Greener, warmer . . . that’s definitely California!