GOSHEN, Ind. – Opening with a soulful harmonica, “And They Called Her California” by Ray LaMontagne speaks to the impermanence and fleeting memories of the people and places one may come across. However, by the end of the song, LaMontagne talks about that impermanence remaining in the past, and looks towards forever with “California”.
I appreciate the intentionality behind the illustration in this song. There is a very clear but gradual transition between acknowledging that everything in the past has felt so temporary, and then deciding that the past will stay just that — moving into the future with a hope for eternity and asking “California” to stay a little while.
This track comes from LaMontagne’s 2024 album “Long Way Home.” Tracks like “Yearning,” emphasize similar themes of reflection and longing, other songs like “Step Into Your Power” focus on themes around making the most of the life you are living.
My favorite part of “And They Called Her California” is the phrase, “I’ve been searching my dreams // faces look so strange // all the rooms have changed.” I immediately know the feeling of seeing places and people in dreams that are familiar, but for one reason or another, I know it is not the real thing.
Putting this lyric back into the context of reflection, I also resonate with the feeling of going to places or seeing people I used to know, and while I still recognize them or it, my perception is now mostly comprised of memories.
With a driving beat and strong lyricism, Ray LaMontagne has written a song that I will excitedly add to my playlists.
– Mackenzie, Music Director
Each week, a Globe-pal (AKA a DJ at 91.1 the Globe) uploads a review of a Globe track that is sent out and posted on globeradio.org/music. The Globe Track of the Week is proudly presented by 91.1 the Globe, the best college radio station in Indiana.
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