“California Dreamin’” is a song written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips in 1963 and first recorded by Barry McGuire. The best-known version is by the Mamas & the Papas, who sang backup on the original version and released it as a single in December 1965. “California Dreamin’” was a huge commercial success, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and becoming a top-ten hit in many other countries.

The song is about the narrator’s longing for the warmth of Los Angeles during a cold winter in New York City. The lyrics express the desire to escape the dreariness of the winter and experience the sunshine and beauty of California. The song is a classic example of the “California Dream” – the idea that California is a place of freedom, opportunity, and happiness. It has been covered by many artists, including Beach Boys, The Grateful Dead, and Olivia Newton-John, and it remains a popular song today.