California and Me Lyrics by Laufey

"California and Me" by Laufey is the seventh track from 2023 album Bewitched, a record that blends jazz, classical, and pop into a timeless sound. The Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter, known for her velvety vocals and nostalgic compositions, delivers a poignant ballad about heartbreak and abandonment. Featuring the lush arrangements of the Philharmonia Orchestra, the song captures the ache of being left behind as a lover returns to an old flame in New York, contrasting the loneliness of California’s landscapes with the sting of betrayal.

Laufey has described the song as one of her proudest creations, emphasizing the emotional weight of its orchestration and lyrical depth. In interviews, she reflects on how the track embodies the album’s theme of love’s imperfections—how it can feel like a spell, both enchanting and cruel. The lyrics paint vivid imagery, from the weeping mountains of LA to the painful drive down Sunset Boulevard, mirroring the narrator’s sorrow. The chorus, with its haunting refrain, underscores the helplessness of unrequited love, blending jazz’s sophistication with raw, modern vulnerability.

A closer look at the lyrics reveals layers of self-doubt and youthful introspection. Lines like "I get so anxious and maybe I’m young" hint at the narrator’s insecurity, while "The first sign of trouble when I bite my tongue" suggests a pattern of silence in relationships. The ocean and California become metaphors for isolation, amplifying the song’s melancholic beauty. With its cinematic strings and Laufey’s soulful delivery, "California and Me" stands as a standout track on Bewitched, resonating with anyone who’s ever felt the sting of being second best.