"She'd Be California" by Rascal Flatts

(There is no official Music Video)

"She's small town from the country, she ain't big time but she could be." These lines in Rascal Flatts "She'd be California" demonstrate the Hollywood Dream of wealth, success, and fame as encompassed throughout the California Dream. I chose this song because I can relate to the California Dream--coming from a small town in Texas, I dreamt of moving to California as a little girl and obtaining quick and easy success. This song highlights each of the main aspects of the California Dream: Luxury and Free Spirit, Material and Superficial Beauty, the Hollywood Dream of Success, the Image of a Blonde California Beach Babe, and a Carefree Party Life.

The Lyrics:

She got the long blonde hair
Got the red sports car
And you know she's got the
Top laid back
Se got the movie star smile
Got the sun kissed tan
Santa barbara in summer
Yeah, she feels like that

Hey she's like a canyon drive
In a midnight sky
Those eyes are deep enough
To get lost
Her legs are palm tree tall
The way she walks
Like the heat on a runway
When the cameras go off

She's small town from the country
She ain't big time but she could be

(chorus)
Hey, hollywood never looked this good
Bright as the big screen burns
Hey, i bet drivin' down sunset
They're lookin' for a face like hers
yeah, i've been all around this world
And she'd be california
If california was a girl

She's like a red, red wine
Like a righteous wave
She's a day at the beach in corona del mar
She's never been out there
Felt the bright spot light
But she could hve her own star
On that dreamer's boulevard

I've driven down that coastline
And i've stood there under that big sign

Hey, hollywood never looked this good
Bright as the big screen burns
Hey, i bet drivin' down sunset
They're lookin' for a face like hers
yeah, i've been all around this world
And she'd be california
If california was a girl

I'd chase that wild sunset
I'd be gone on my way,
Way out west
Yeah, i've been all around this town

Hey, hollywood never looked this good
Bright as the big screen
Hey, I bet drivin' down sunset
Lookin' for a face like hers
Yeah, she'd be california
If california was a girl
Now she'd be california
Hey california

She got the long blonde hair
Got the red sports car
And you know she's got the
Top laid back
Se got the movie star smile
Got the sun kissed tan
Santa barbara in summer
Yeah, she feels like that

Yeah, she'd be california
Hey, hollywood

Source: http://artists.letssingit.com/rascal-flatts-lyrics-shed-be-california-wg5cqj7#ixzz1Wa92WKzL
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How I Define the California Dream...

Riches, success, luck, new beginnings, relaxed lifestyle, fame...all key ingredients in the recipe that makes up the California Dream. In order to define the California Dream, one must first look at the universal dream, the "American Dream". The American Dream started with the Pilgrims and Puritans, looking to escape religious prejudice and start a life free of harm and distress. With this came the first version of the "American Dream," one which took hard work and dedication in order to create a modest lifestyle, free of persecution.

However, in 1849 with the California Gold Rush, the "American Dream" was transformed dramatically. In essence, the California Dream shaped what we today call the "American Dream." A huge population boom spurred California to the front of the "population race" during this time, increasing the immigration from a mere 6,000 people to 100,000 people over the course of only a few years. This promise of gold and riches inspired a mindset of dreamers, willing to travel across the country in order to gain immediate fame and wealth.

The California Dream, according to an entry on wikipedia is defined as a "psychological motivation to gain fast wealth or fame in a new land," and is contrasted by the definition on the popular satirical website urbandictionary.com as "a state of denial." Both of these come from a desire for quick wealth and easy success, as depicted in popular movies and television shows. Today, the "American Dream" has been greatly influenced by this California Dream, transforming it into a dream of success and monetary stature, rather than modest lifestyles as a product of hard work. To me, the California dream is more than just a false reality. I believe it is misinterpreted in that success and wealth will be handed to anyone who comes to the state. But to me, the dream, if defined as a new beginning encompassing riches, a relaxed lifestyle, and a promise of a fulfilling life combined with hard work and dedication, is attainable to all.