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Luna — California (All the Way)
Album: Bewitched
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1842









Released: 1994
Length: 4:11
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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well, she followed him from phoenix out to california
and then she passed out on the bed
and all the little things he never even asked her for
she simply smiled and shook her head

why can't we smile just like we used to
why don't you figure anymore
why has my sympathy now turned to malice
it doesn't matter any more

and now i realize i'm livin' like a trucker does
although i haven't got the belly
and though she followed me to california all the way
i only wanna watch the telly

why can't we smile just like we used to
why don't you figure anymore
why has my sympathy now turned to malice
it doesn't matter any more

he asked her please stop quotin' rod mc kuen in your post cards
can't understand it anymore
and if your gonna read your poetry aloud to me
i'll have to show you to the door

why can't we smile just like we used to
why don't you figure anymore
why has my sympathy now turned to malice
it doesn't matter any more
Comments (240)add comment
Took my kids to see Luna in about 2015, showed my son how to snag the set list after the show, got it signed by Dean and Britta, and it hangs on his wall at the university 10 years later.  Success.
Posted 5 days ago by iamnotafraid    [ Reply ]
 notestobilly2222 wrote:

yeah!!!!  : )
Why, indeed, "can't we smile like we used to?" Good answer. We're divorced now. You're still in CA. I'm back home in GA. You introduced me to Luna, who I really, really loved. We saw them lots, live. With Mercury Rev, the first time... hmmm.  sorry y'all. tmi, I know. 



Raw, honest, beautiful, and exactly the color this song needed...thank you! 6 years too late
Posted 3 months ago by adam.fernandez    [ Reply ]
 gratefulgator wrote:

Am I the only one who this reminds of a Phish song?



Sounds like Men At Work's Down Under to me. 
Posted 9 months ago by fraserji    [ Reply ]
https://www.allmusic.com/artis...
Posted 1 year ago by Baha_48    [ Reply ]
Am I the only one who this reminds of a Phish song?
Posted 1 year ago by gratefulgator    [ Reply ]
I think this happened before where the amazing Korean artist shows up as this other Luna on the Wiki page to the right.
Posted 3 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
 stevesaw wrote:

Well, the Wikipedia reference to Luna Lee really threw me. I think Bill has played that Luna as well. 



It looks like it's this one: Voodoo Child by Luna Lee, and the correct wikipedia page for the band would be Luna_(1990s_American_band)
Posted 3 years ago by arndb    [ Reply ]
This entire album is perfection.  In my opinion.  Love it.
Posted 3 years ago by unclestupidhead    [ Reply ]
really enjoy happy tunes with lyrics that don't quite match.
The line about reading poetry aloud cracks me up
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
 notestobilly2222 wrote:

yeah!!!!  : )
Why, indeed, "can't we smile like we used to?" Good answer. We're divorced now. You're still in CA. I'm back home in GA. You introduced me to Luna, who I really, really loved. We saw them lots, live. With Mercury Rev, the first time... hmmm.  sorry y'all. tmi, I know. 



I'm inclined to like this post, though I have no real idea what ' notestobilly' is on about!?!
Posted 4 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
Love the line:
"and now i realize i'm livin' like a trucker does
although i haven't got the belly"

When our boys were young we traveled the country like gypsies and our running joke was that all these truckers were driving to the next contest where they were judged by who had the smelliest cab.  Eating greasy food and then not moving for hours on end; I am guessing their digestive tracks can pump out some potent gas.
Posted 4 years ago by freddyfender    [ Reply ]
Waited to hear my favorite band on RP, and here it is, Luna! Thank you! 
Posted 4 years ago by bobbb    [ Reply ]
 notestobilly2222 wrote:
yeah!!!!  : )
Why, indeed, "can't we smile like we used to?" Good answer. We're divorced now. You're still in CA. I'm back home in GA. You introduced me to Luna, who I really, really loved. We saw them lots, live. With Mercury Rev, the first time... hmmm.  sorry y'all. tmi, I know. 

Keep your head up me brother, i felt that

Posted 4 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
I think you probably shared just enough. Good on you mate!

 notestobilly2222 wrote:
yeah!!!!  : )
Why, indeed, "can't we smile like we used to?" Good answer. We're divorced now. You're still in CA. I'm back home in GA. You introduced me to Luna, who I really, really loved. We saw them lots, live. With Mercury Rev, the first time... hmmm.  sorry y'all. tmi, I know. 
 

Posted 5 years ago by tomy756    [ Reply ]
 stevesaw wrote:
Well, the Wikipedia reference to Luna Lee really threw me. I think Bill has played that Luna as well. 
 
I said "Hmm, she doesn't look like she would sound like this". No I don't think that is sexist or racist. :-)
Posted 5 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
This is literally the worst lead and guitar solo ever.  I suppose though, it is quite a challenge to write any parts for this that isn't just Down Under.
Posted 5 years ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]
Well, the Wikipedia reference to Luna Lee really threw me. I think Bill has played that Luna as well. 
Posted 5 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
 jelgator wrote:
More Luna please.
 
Am in 100% agreement More Luna pretty please.

Posted 5 years ago by MeanUncleJake    [ Reply ]
yeah!!!!  : )
Why, indeed, "can't we smile like we used to?" Good answer. We're divorced now. You're still in CA. I'm back home in GA. You introduced me to Luna, who I really, really loved. We saw them lots, live. With Mercury Rev, the first time... hmmm.  sorry y'all. tmi, I know. 
Posted 6 years ago by notestobilly2222    [ Reply ]
Bill, MORE LUNA Please! Amazing talent. Maybe even a little Galaxie 500 on Sunday mornings, eh?
Posted 7 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
More Luna please.
Posted 7 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
That guitar noodling at the end was painful. Unless this is a middle school band, then great job.
Posted 9 years ago by Milk5Cents    [ Reply ]
Gotta love the Rod McKuen poetry line! My parents, their friends and neighbors went through that weird phase in the early '70s. Funny!
Posted 9 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
What makes Luna tick is cool.
Posted 10 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
We loves Luna. Righteous guitar work.

Any Galaxy 500, Bill? 
Posted 10 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
ok, but again?
Posted 11 years ago by upgal    [ Reply ]
Do you come from the land down under? No?
Posted 11 years ago by afrixluvguy    [ Reply ]

Well, the first line of the song is my story.

Except the roles were reversed.

Everything after that, not so much.

I married that girl.


Posted 11 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
 paradisepig wrote:
Is it just me or is the chorus about to go into Elvis's "Wise men say" {#Eek}

 
you are correct sir
Posted 12 years ago by max_p    [ Reply ]
Sorry, blech.  {#Sick}
Posted 12 years ago by asusinskas    [ Reply ]
Love that "Tremolo abusing/overusing " solo at the end,...
Posted 12 years ago by aristoteles    [ Reply ]
Luna Bella.
Posted 12 years ago by ruthenus    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:
Just had an email from Sears in Brea, California, thanking me for  visiting them. Never been there, but they may know something I don't.

I feel a road trip coming on. 
 
No kidding:  Find out if "you" have recently opened a Sears credit account, and check your other charge card billings.
Posted 12 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Just had an email from Sears in Brea, California, thanking me for  visiting them. Never been there, but they may know something I don't.
 I feel a road trip coming on. 
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Is it just me or is the chorus about to go into Elvis's "Wise men say" {#Eek}
Posted 12 years ago by paradisepig    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

He's playing in key - and there is more than one "harmony" to any song.
 

Funny you should say that... he actually doesn't play in key the whole time.  It's about in the end of his second part... shortly before the part that he completely runs out of ideas and just starts making noise.  Sounds about like a 15 year old in a garage band.
Posted 12 years ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]
A band that RP introduced me to - thank you!

The guitar playing in this, and other Luna songs, is delicious. 
Posted 12 years ago by grant    [ Reply ]
Fun-ny lyrics  :)) Love the title, because LOVE California all the way.
Posted 12 years ago by kdarwish    [ Reply ]
Thanks for playing this, I miss Luna a bunch.
Posted 12 years ago by ScottD    [ Reply ]
Ahh California...it's calling my name.
Posted 13 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
200th comment!  

This is the only place I ever hear Luna anymore.  Fanks bunches B&R. 
Posted 13 years ago by greg6494    [ Reply ]
 Jared wrote:

I'm glad someone else caught this too.
 
My sentiments exactly.
Posted 13 years ago by agd3    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}  this song always brings a smile to my face and a happy calm to my heart
Posted 13 years ago by Middleton    [ Reply ]
 Jared wrote:

I'm glad someone else caught this too.
 


Haha! But singing it is okay, right?
Posted 13 years ago by shakitten    [ Reply ]
 Nerubo wrote:
"And if you're gonna read your poetry aloud to me
I'm gonna have to show you to the door."

OK, that is a pretty funny lyric to me. Poetry reading as a hostile act, gotta love it.

 
 
I'm glad someone else caught this too.
Posted 13 years ago by Jared    [ Reply ]
 hippiechick wrote:
I want to live in California, sigh
 
You and me both Deni.....every time I hear this I sigh...it sings my life all right!!
Posted 13 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
 WayUpNorth wrote:
Judging by the comments, this song must be like an alarm clock for trolls!  {#Roflol}
 
LOL - you're right! The song's not that bad. {#Good-vibes}
Posted 13 years ago by ferwoman    [ Reply ]
I want to live in California, sigh
Posted 13 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
 calypsus_1 wrote:

Luna NYC 050228 - Britta by birzer
https://www.flickr.com/photos/birzer/

Britta Phillips (The Belltower, Luna, Dean & Britta)

Luna's last show (or maybe second to last) at the Bowery Ballroom NYC

This photo was taken on February 27, 2005 using a Canon EOS 20D.

Copyright All rights reserved

 

Well, she is ridiculously beautiful.
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
LOVE LOVE LOVE this song these guys. They weren't lovin all the idiots yelling out velvet tune suggestions when they played in San Diego though.
Didn't dean play in galaxy 500 too ? Genius. Thx bill
Posted 14 years ago by planet3one9    [ Reply ]

Luna NYC 050228 - Britta by birzer
https://www.flickr.com/photos/birzer/

Britta Phillips (The Belltower, Luna, Dean & Britta)

Luna's last show (or maybe second to last) at the Bowery Ballroom NYC

This photo was taken on February 27, 2005 using a Canon EOS 20D.

Copyright All rights reserved

.
————————————————————————————————————-

.
Britta Phillips (born June 11, 1963, Boyne City, Michigan) is an American musician, songwriter, actress and voice actor, 49 years old now, guitar, bass guitar.

.
(Edited: 16/07/2012)



Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Sort of elevatorish music but very pleasant listening.  Meg White on drums I think...

Posted 14 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
 nfojunky wrote:
The lyrical equivalent of Vogon poetry. Complete drek. Quite possibly against the Geneva Convention.
 
Arf! {#Roflol}
Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I like this song, but man, I hate that dude's guitar playing.

ETA: Aaaaaaarghhhhhh! That guitar solo! I want to rip the cable out of his amp!


Posted 14 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

He's playing in key - and there is more than one "harmony" to any song.

 

Love it! And besides he wrote it - so there.

Posted 14 years ago by ppak    [ Reply ]
is john mayall's california next ?
Posted 14 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
I could have sworn this was late '60s cool pop.  Like it a bunch!
Posted 14 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
this song makes me feel like snacking on cashews and imperial beer
which i am doing now

Posted 14 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
 gratefulgator wrote:
Reminds me of Phish... but not really the Phish I like (old stuff).  I'm kind of indifferent to this right now.
 
i hear ya!

Posted 14 years ago by rlr511    [ Reply ]
this song makes me want to dance when i'm making dinner like i am now  :)
Posted 14 years ago by rlr511    [ Reply ]
I absolutely love Luna. But this is not one of their best songs. Give me anything from Penthouse. "23 Minutes in Brussels" or "Moon Palace"...

Posted 15 years ago by citizenkeith    [ Reply ]

Cute only goes so far, and this is too far.


Posted 15 years ago by old_shep    [ Reply ]
Judging by the comments, this song must be like an alarm clock for trolls!  {#Roflol}
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
And if your gonna read your poetry aloud to me...what a lyric.  One of my favorites from my favorite band.
Posted 15 years ago by agd3    [ Reply ]
please, somebody feed Dean Wareham's grandmother to the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal!  Or at least stick a finger down his throat! 


{#Puke}

 nfojunky wrote:
The lyrical equivalent of Vogon poetry. Complete drek. Quite possibly against the Geneva Convention.
 


Posted 15 years ago by nattyboombatty    [ Reply ]


Such a cool song.  

"Why has my sympathy now turned to malice
It doesn't matter anymore"

 

Posted 15 years ago by hallogallo    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of Phish... but not really the Phish I like (old stuff).  I'm kind of indifferent to this right now.
Posted 15 years ago by gratefulgator    [ Reply ]
"And if you're gonna read your poetry aloud to me
I'm gonna have to show you to the door."

OK, that is a pretty funny lyric to me. Poetry reading as a hostile act, gotta love it.

 
Posted 15 years ago by Nerubo    [ Reply ]
 Hippostar wrote:
This is the worst guitar solo ever.  This guy completly misses the harmony of the song on every single phrase.
 
He's playing in key - and there is more than one "harmony" to any song.

Posted 15 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
For any Luna fans, I highly recommend reading Dean Wareham's book. "Black Postcards."
Posted 15 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]
The lyrical equivalent of Vogon poetry. Complete drek. Quite possibly against the Geneva Convention.
Posted 15 years ago by nfojunky    [ Reply ]
I don't really hear too much Luna on RP.  Though if this one is played more than others, I would love to hear other songs from them.  I like everything from this band, especially songs where you can really hear the guitar.
Posted 15 years ago by swards    [ Reply ]
 dbreece wrote:
{#No}

Even if I liked this song (and I really really don't), this song is overplayed.
 
What happened to 'the real people' at RP? Lots of computer lists playing these lame songs repeatedly.
Posted 15 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
I don't think even Zappa would have been down with that lead. {#Hand}
Posted 16 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
This is the worst guitar solo ever.  This guy completly misses the harmony of the song on every single phrase.
Posted 16 years ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]
Hey, thanks for that flashback to some good times from the mid 90s.
Posted 16 years ago by okelle    [ Reply ]
 Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:

Good god yes. Between this and my Estates homework, I'm falling asleep here.
 
Well, what do you expect from a band called "Luna"? :-)

Posted 16 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
"Why can't we smile like we used to?" Maybe because you're singing such soporific narcolepsy-inducing songs, lad  {#Sleep}
 
Good god yes. Between this and my Estates homework, I'm falling asleep here.
Posted 16 years ago by Ag3nt0rang3    [ Reply ]
Why oh Why wont this end... {#Sleep}
Posted 16 years ago by sqqqrly    [ Reply ]
love it! 9
Posted 16 years ago by coentje    [ Reply ]
"Why can't we smile like we used to?" Maybe because you're singing such soporific narcolepsy-inducing songs, lad  {#Sleep}
Posted 16 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:

Paul Simonesque


 

{#Yes} Paul Simon-light

Posted 16 years ago by am    [ Reply ]
anyone else hearing "Beast of Burden" ? {#Wink}

Posted 16 years ago by fimo    [ Reply ]
{#No}

Even if I liked this song (and I really really don't), this song is overplayed.

Posted 16 years ago by dbreece    [ Reply ]
Loooove these guys (and girl)!  I had the good fortune to see them at least 4 times.  Always delivered a strong show.  8.
Posted 16 years ago by iscoot4peace    [ Reply ]
Very good song.  I like the production and the guitar solo.  Everything doesn't have to be slick and polished to be good.  In fact, slick and polished rock and roll usually sucks (ie.: Journey, Boston, Styx, etc.).


Posted 16 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]

Love this song.

Any time's the right time for some Luna!

Posted 16 years ago by hallogallo    [ Reply ]
rtree wrote:
I almost never say this, but - YUK!{#Tongue-out}

YUM!  Hearteyes
Posted 16 years ago by lawman    [ Reply ]
I almost never say this, but - YUK!{#Tongue-out}
Posted 16 years ago by rtree    [ Reply ]
{#Frustrated}
Posted 16 years ago by ejsamuel    [ Reply ]
I don't know why I like this song so much...it's been a fav of mine for the last couple of years since I first heard it (here on RP) .  I know the tune is a little simplistic and all, plus it has that 90's thing about it...but some of the lyrics hit home and the guitar stuff at the end gets pretty rockin'. 
Posted 16 years ago by e_b    [ Reply ]
It's dull, but somehow I like it {#Stupid}
Posted 16 years ago by annersjen    [ Reply ]
 e_b wrote:
This is the best song ever, period (please, no arguments).
 
{#Stupid}

Posted 16 years ago by sqqqrly    [ Reply ]


You be the judge...

Posted 16 years ago by MrGreg    [ Reply ]
Ha!  Those are the "marsh sounds" in the background that Bill was just talking about.  Subtle stuff going on with RP....
Posted 16 years ago by zakfoy    [ Reply ]
Lovin' the cicadas! We'll call this Bill's Marsh Critters/Kinks/Luna mash-up! {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 16 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
I like this!

{#Nyah}
Posted 16 years ago by nimesay    [ Reply ]
 sub-arctic wrote:
That's one annoying guitar solo!
 
Actually, it's one of many annoying guitar solos.  I slammed one of their other songs for the same reason.  I like their songs, but the solos are really amateurish.

Posted 17 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
This is the best song ever, period (please, no arguments).
Posted 17 years ago by e_b    [ Reply ]
I've always enjoyed hearing this band on the radio.
Posted 17 years ago by okelle    [ Reply ]

Haven't heard this one for ages. Always loved it.


Posted 17 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]
"Land Down Under" recycled.


Posted 17 years ago by Gednabb    [ Reply ]
Play Bonnie & Clyde!
Posted 17 years ago by jakewhite77    [ Reply ]
Luna!  YAY!!!!
Posted 17 years ago by jakewhite77    [ Reply ]
 dprazuch wrote:
Greetings from San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Another great find thanks to RP. After I heard this song I downloaded their other albums and heard a woman singing on the albums prior to their greatest hits album. I am usually a bigger fan of women singer than men but really did not like her voice or the vibe. Anyone know the deal on that? Take care!
 
It's probably Britta Phillips who joined Luna for the last few records. They are "Dean and Britta" now..and I've just ordered one of the CDs for $1.49 plus shipping from half.com

Posted 17 years ago by Pharlap    [ Reply ]
Greetings from San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Another great find thanks to RP. After I heard this song I downloaded their other albums and heard a woman singing on the albums prior to their greatest hits album. I am usually a bigger fan of women singer than men but really did not like her voice or the vibe. Anyone know the deal on that? Take care!
Posted 17 years ago by prstx    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
{#Yawn}
 

Just go back to sleep already
Posted 17 years ago by jkhandy    [ Reply ]
 stevendejong wrote:
A nice friendly song, but today RP seems on a constant supply of mediocre singers that sing really softly, which annoys me almost always. You know, singer, you could also pretend to be emotionally involved.
 

I always thought Dean's voice added a somewhat sardonic angle to the song that might get lost if he sang it with more oomph and gusto, but to each his own.
Posted 17 years ago by tommyama    [ Reply ]
A nice friendly song, but today RP seems on a constant supply of mediocre singers that sing really softly, which annoys me almost always. You know, singer, you could also pretend to be emotionally involved.
Posted 17 years ago by stevendejong    [ Reply ]

Silly lyrics but it works.


Posted 17 years ago by TimmyMack    [ Reply ]
{#Yawn}
Posted 17 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]

Paul Simonesque


Posted 17 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
That's one annoying guitar solo!
Posted 17 years ago by sub-arctic    [ Reply ]
The more I listen to this song the more I enjoy it. A real discovery. Thanks Bill!! 9
Posted 17 years ago by ulibcn    [ Reply ]
love Luna
Posted 17 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
I'm liking this song, maybe because I'm flying to California tomorrow morning!
Posted 17 years ago by Droidac    [ Reply ]
Keeps moving up...now "11"
Posted 17 years ago by heytomkay    [ Reply ]
esotericderek wrote:
Traveling in a fried-out combie On a hippie trail, head full of zombie... Do you come from the land down under?
Yep. I still hear it.
Posted 17 years ago by esotericderek    [ Reply ]
I love the guitar at the end.
Posted 17 years ago by rconlon    [ Reply ]