Eric Ethridge has put his own twist on the 2001 song “California” and we are obsessed. The Juno-nominated track, originally by the Canadian pop/R&B band, Wave has made its return- this time featured on country radio, thanks to Eric Ethridge.
Ethridge’s version of “California” is a pop-country cover that captured radio attention almost immediately after release. The song sits in third as the most streamed song on Top Country for the week of October 15th, trailing just behind Chad Brownlee’s Dear Drunk Me, and Jade Eagleson’s Got Your Name On It.
While the song is over fifteen years old itself, the lyrics toy with our dreams of leaving our lives behind for the “California” nightlife. First off- being Canadian, it’s understandable we want to escape the unpredictable winter looming over us. Listening to the song gets us daydreaming of summer days behind us, and the need for a winter break somewhere warm. But the song’s re-release also sits with us twenty-something’s; unsure of what the future holds, but not tied down to anything. Tempting to our free spirits.
The song features Wave’s original lyrics, Ethridge’s smooth vocals, and an awesome guitar solo. We’ve fallen for Eric Ethridge’s cool country vibe. It suits the song so well. When “California” comes on the radio, it makes us want to jump in a convertible and head to Cali with Eric.
The Sarnia, Ontario native released “California” as part of his seven-song self-titled EP earlier this year. “California” follows his first two crowd pleasers Liquor’s Callin’ the Shots and Makin’ Me Crazy.
We first heard Eric Ethridge at the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase in 2015, where he placed second, behind James Barker Band. Since then, he’s been back and forth from Nashville, opened for Billy Currington, Brett Kissel, among others, and released his self-titled debut EP.
Check out Eric Ethridge’s website for dates you can catch him on stage, music releases and more!
Watch the Video for “California” here:
Listen to Eric Ethridge’s Cover of “California”
Lyrics to “California” by Eric Ethridge
On a lonely day
I look out on the freeway
I can fantasize ‘bout the car I drive
Don’t leave the light on
I can find my way
It’s been so long now I have to say
I’m going to California
Goin’ ‘ta to live the life
Sippin’ on tequila night after night
Dreaming of the moment when everything looks right
A little bit of love goes a long way tonight
I’m on my way
Heading for the sun
That’s where I’ll stay
‘Till I head back home
Do you ever feel like
You need a change
Hang out where no one knows your name
I’m going to California
Goin’ ‘ta to live the life
Sippin’ on tequila night after night
Dreaming of the moment when everything looks right
A little bit of love goes a long way tonight
On a lonely day
I look out on the freeway
I can fantasize ‘bout the car I drive
Don’t leave the light on
I can find my way
It’s been so long now I have to say
Oh It’s been so long now I have to say
I’m going to California
Goin’ ‘ta to live the life
Sippin’ on tequila night after night
Dreaming of the moment when everything looks right
A little bit of love goes a long way tonight
Goin’ to California
A little bit of love goes a long long way
A little bit of love goes a long long way
A little bit of love goes a long long way
A little bit of love goes a long long way
Tonight, tonight, tonight
Goin’ to California
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
