No California
Ilsey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴We used to drive to the ocean
Lie by the waves
Bathe in the moment
Now I'm alone, I pray for rain to come
Take me away, hmm
Away from the hills full of promise
Streets full of pain
Bright sunny days, I pray for rain to come
Oh, but it never does
Gotta get outta here, start a whole new life
Gotta go somewhere where the sun don't shine so bright
Everything around here
Everything 'bout this place just brings me down, ooh
'Cause there ain't no California without you
Without you
Yeah, there ain't no California
Yeah, there ain't no California without you
Without you
Yeah, there ain't no California
Ooh
It's cold in your shadow
All that remains, ghosts in the desert
Should I run away or pray for strength to come?
I'll run away, hmm
Gotta get outta here, start a whole new life
Gotta go somewhere where the sun don't shine so bright
Everything around here
Everything 'bout this place just brings me down, ooh
'Cause there ain't no California without you
Without you
Yeah, there ain't no California
Yeah, there ain't no California without you
Without you
Yeah, there ain't no California
Ooh
I'll keep runnin', baby
I'll keep runnin'
'Til you stop runnin' through my mind
I'll keep lovin' you
I'll keep lovin' you
I don't really know why
I know that I
Gotta get outta here, start a whole new life
Gotta go somewhere where the sun don't shine so bright
Everything around here
Everything 'bout this place just brings me down, ooh
'Cause there ain't no California without you
Without you
Yeah, there ain't no California
Yeah, there ain't no California without you
Without you
Yeah, there ain't no California
Ooh
I'll keep runnin', baby
I'll keep runnin'
'Til you stop runnin' through my mind
Overall Meaning
The lyrics of Ilsey's song "No California" explore themes of longing, nostalgia, and the struggle to move on from a past relationship. The singer reminisces about simpler times when they used to drive to the ocean, spending carefree moments by the waves. However, now that they are alone, they find themselves yearning for a change, even praying for rain as a metaphorical escape from their current reality.
The mention of hills full of promise and streets full of pain reflects the bittersweet nature of their surroundings. Despite the outwardly bright sunny days, there is an inner turmoil that can only be alleviated by a fresh start. The recurring plea for rain symbolizes a desire for renewal and cleansing, yet it seems that relief never truly arrives.
The chorus emphasizes the interconnectedness between the singer and the idea of California, suggesting that without the person they once shared these experiences with, the essence of what made those memories significant is lost. The notion that "there ain't no California without you" encapsulates the sentiment of emptiness and longing for a missing piece that once completed their sense of place and belonging.
As the song progresses, the singer grapples with the decision to either continue living in the shadow of their past or summon the strength to break free and seek a new beginning. The repetition of the need to start a whole new life and escape to a place where the sun doesn't shine so bright underscores their urgency to move forward and find solace away from the reminders of their lost love.
The closing lines poignantly express the inner turmoil and emotional turmoil of the singer. Despite their determination to keep running and striving for a fresh start, the haunting memories of their past love continue to linger in their mind. The lyrical journey of "No California" narrates a journey of heartache, resilience, and the complicated process of letting go and moving forward from a significant chapter of one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
We used to drive to the ocean
In happier times, we would journey to the sea
Lie by the waves
Resting peacefully next to the ocean's rhythm
Bathe in the moment
Fully immerse ourselves in the present experience
Now I'm alone, I pray for rain to come
Feeling isolated, longing for change or relief
Take me away, hmm
Yearning for escape or a fresh start
Gotta get outta here, start a whole new life
Feeling the need to leave behind the past and begin anew
Gotta go somewhere where the sun don't shine so bright
Seeking a place where challenges are not as harsh or glaring
Everything around here
All aspects of this environment
Everything 'bout this place just brings me down, ooh
All elements of this location contribute to my sorrow
'Cause there ain't no California without you
California holds no joy or meaning without your presence
It's cold in your shadow
In darkness without your warmth or influence
All that remains, ghosts in the desert
Only memories linger like spirits in the wasteland
Should I run away or pray for strength to come?
Contemplating escape or seeking inner fortitude
I'll run away, hmm
Choosing to flee from the pain or uncertainty
I'll keep runnin', baby
Continuing to move forward, despite obstacles
I'll keep lovin' you
Maintaining affection or devotion
I don't really know why
Uncertain of the reasons behind feelings or actions
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Benjamin Johnson, Ilsey Juber
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight itncG1vNJzZmirn6O2pLTIrapnm5%2BifLe1w56maIGcqLK6e62olnyZnJ6zsL7Nopg%3D