"California Style" is a song by Eddy Grant, which was released in 1982. The song portrays a romanticized image of California and the love and lifestyle associated with it. The lyrics suggest a desire for a love that is perfect, like a picture show. Grant refers to the popular street names of Sunset and Vine in California, where he wants to be loved just as passionately as the glamorous images portrayed in the media. He mentions reading about it in newspapers, seeing it in magazines, and looking at pictures since a young age, suggesting that he has always been captivated by the idea of love in California. The chorus emphasizes the desire for a love that is reminiscent of the California lifestyle, often described as carefree, exciting, and full of sunshine. Grant wants his love to be like the idealized version of love in movies, where romance and passion are portrayed in a larger-than-life way. The song also mentions the pursuit of education and the influence of Hollywood on his life, comparing his grades in kissing to the image of a roaring lion. Grant suggests that his desire for a love like California's is fueled by the appeal and allure of the entertainment industry. Overall, "California Style" is a catchy and upbeat song that celebrates the romanticized idea of love and the glamorous lifestyle associated with California. It captures the longing for a perfect love that is often romanticized and portrayed in popular media.
