About the Song
"California Man" is a song by British rock and roll band the Move. It was written by the band's guitarist/vocalist Roy Wood, who has said he wrote it as a pastiche of Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. The song was also produced by him, alongside Jeff Lynne, and recorded in 1971 at Philips Studios, based in London. The song became the band's final charting single in the United Kingdom, charting at number 7, and was covered by acts such as Cheap Trick and Cliff Richard.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The song "I WANT YOU TO WANT ME [LIVE]" by CHEAP TRICK can be read as an expression of longing and desire for mutual affection. For many listeners, it captures the universal experience of wanting to be desired and validated by someone special. The energetic delivery enhances the theme, making it feel both urgent and relatable. While the song explores the complexities of attraction, it resonates with a sense of vulnerability, as it highlights the hope for a reciprocal connection. This dynamic interplay of desire and emotional honesty is what keeps its appeal alive across generations.
Did You Know?
- Cheap Trick is an American rock band formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973.
- The band's work bridged elements of 1960s guitar pop, 1970s hard rock, and the emerging punk rock sound, and helped set the template for subsequent power pop artists.
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: Authorized Greatest Hits
- Genre: Rock
- iTunes release date: October 8, 1978
- Track runtime: 3:44
Video Snapshot
- Video title: Cheap Trick – I Want You To Want Me Live 1978 TV
- YouTube channel: Cheap Trick
Quick Facts
- Artist: Cheap Trick
- Song: I Want You to Want Me (Live)
- Album/collection: Authorized Greatest Hits
- Genre: Rock
- Reference page: California Man (song)
