"I Wish They All Could Be Calif. Girls": What's it mean?

Parent Cafe
1

<p>On a road trip this afternoon with my wife and college daughter, my daughter retells a heated debate with school friends about the meaning of the old Beach Boys song. One of her friends maintains it doesn’t suggest that California girls are better than girls in other parts of the country, it just expresses a desire that all the other girls were in California too. My wife says “Of course not, it’s about how despite the merits of Southern and Eastern and Midwestern girls, California girls are tops.” I say “Hey, I agree with D’s friend - the lyrics never rank California girls among the others; they just state ‘I wish they ALL could be’ girls in California.” </p>

<p>So who’s right?</p>

2

<p>Your wife, definately!</p>

3

<p>Um, it’s ranking California girls better. Otherwise, the lyric would be “I wish they all could be girls in California” or something that.</p>

4

<p>I can’t believe I am answering this post. When I first saw the title, I thought, “Duh! They think Cali girls are best.” But then I Googled and reread the lyrics and I’m beginning to think he’s just bemoaning the fact that all the great American girls aren’t in California. The key, for me, was: </p>

<p>I been all around this great big world
And I seen all kinds of girls
Yeah, but I couldnt wait to get back in the states
Back to the cutest girls in the world</p>

<p>If he meant the California girls were superior, he could have said, “Yeah, but I couldnt wait to get back in the state” singular.</p>

<p>He really doesn’t give Cali girls any more billing than any other girls – Midwest, Hawaii island dolls, etc.</p>

5

<p>Okay, I just saw the lyrics again, too. Maybe you’re right. It’s ambiguous at best. But growing up in California, you can bet that we girls read it the way gadad’s D is. :)</p>

6

<p>I love this song. It is one of the defining songs of my formative years. (Haha I know that sounds shallow, but its true!)</p>

<p>I say you are right, gadad!</p>

7

<p>I wish their problems could all be shallow California stuff…</p>

8

<p>Obviously gadad hasn’t learned the husband’s secret to a happy marriage. The answer is ALWAYS “Yes, dear. Your right, dear.”</p>

9

<p>I remember seeing an interview with Mike Love many years ago and he was asked this question. Your D’s friend is correct, gadad.</p>

10

<p>Maybe because California has Hollywood and more beaches. Every gift shop in CA has postcards saying “California girls”, “California blondies”. I did not see this when I visited other cities.</p>

11

<p>I’ve never regretted moving here after my college days. The cutest girls in the world do live here. I married one! It was that song and " It never seems to rain in southern California" that convinced me that this was the place to live! lol…</p>

12

<p>Now I feel guilty; I’ve shaken Mom of 2 in CA’s faith in her inherent birthright (actually Mom of 2, I’ve often wondered if you were in CA or an indigenous Peruvian Mom of two :-). But thanks Alwaysamom, D says she’s going to tell her buddies about the Mike Love interview.</p>

13

<p>“It never rains in southern California”. You can also interprete it like this: Don’t expect to find happiness in southern California girls.</p>

14

<p>The friend of D is absolutely right (says this non-Californian guy). Unfortunately, that means I agree with Mike Love who has always come across to me as an obnoxious, arrogant moron. I wonder if anyone’s ever asked Brian Wilson (and received a coherent reply)</p>

15

<p>I have two daughters that beg to differ!</p>

16

<p>Iderochi: My niece goes to Udel. She cheers. It must be the California genes.</p>

17

<p>I really like the Beach Boys and listen often. At what they do there are no better.</p>

18

<p>C’mon - “I wish they all could be California girls” nothing about all girls being in California, but that California girls are the best…it’s literal, right? :)</p>

19

<p>Seeing is believing!</p>

20

<p>Besides, everyone knows Texas girls are the best. Divine intervention:</p>

<p>“God blessed Texas with His own hand
Brought down angels from the promised land
Gave 'em a place where they could dance
If you wanna see heaven brother here’s your chance
Well I’ve been sent to spread the message
God blessed Texas”</p>