California Uber Alles – English Lyrics

• By: Dead Kennedys

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the politically charged world of Dead Kennedys with 'California Über Alles.' This song is not just a punk rock classic; it's a lesson in satire and social commentary, using sharp lyrics and a distinctive sound to challenge authority and question the status quo. Explore how music can be a powerful tool for protest and learn about the historical context that shaped this iconic track.

[English]

I am Governor Jerry Brown

My aura smiles and never frowns

Soon I will be president

Carter power will soon go 'way

I will be Führer one day

I will command all of you

Your kids will meditate in school

Your kids will meditate in school

California, Über Alles

California, Über Alles

Über Alles, California

Über Alles, California

Zen's fascists will control you

Hundred percent natural

You will jog for the master race

And always wear the happy face

Close your eyes, can't happen here

Big bro on white horse is near

The hippies won't come back, you say

Mellow out or you will pay

Mellow out or you will pay

California, Über Alles

California, Über Alles

Über Alles, California

Über Alles, California

Now it is 1984

Knock, knock at your front door

It's the suede denim secret police

They have come for your uncool niece

Come quietly to the camp

You'd look nice as a drawstring lamp

Don't you worry, it's only a shower

For your clothes, here's a pretty flower

Die on organic poison gas

Serpent's egg's already hatched

You will croak, you little clown

When you mess with President Brown

When you mess with President Brown

California, Über Alles

California, Über Alles

Über Alles, California

Über Alles, California

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
smiles /smaɪlz/ A1	verb - to have a happy expression noun - a happy expression
frowns /fraʊnz/ B1	verb - to furrow one's brow in an expression of disapproval, displeasure, or concentration. noun - an expression of disapproval, displeasure, or concentration.
power /ˈpaʊər/ A2	noun - the ability to do something or act in a particular way
command /kəˈmænd/ B2	verb - to give an authoritative order noun - an authoritative order
meditate /ˈmedɪteɪt/ B2	verb - to focus one's mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation.
control /kənˈtroʊl/ B1	verb - to have power over; manage noun - the power to influence or direct people's behaviour or the course of events.
natural /ˈnætʃərəl/ A2	adjective - existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind.
jog /dʒɒɡ/ A2	verb - run at a gentle pace
wear /wer/ A1	verb - have (something) on one's body as clothing, decoration, or protection.
happen /ˈhæpən/ A1	verb - take place; occur
mellow /ˈmeloʊ/ B2	verb - to become more relaxed, calm, and pleasant. adjective - relaxed, calm, and pleasant.
knock /nɒk/ A1	verb - to strike a surface noisily to attract attention, especially when trying to enter a building or room. noun - a rap on a door or window.
secret /ˈsiːkrət/ A2	adjective - not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others. noun - something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
poison /ˈpɔɪzən/ B1	noun - a substance that causes death or harm if swallowed or absorbed into the body. verb - to administer poison to (a person or animal), either deliberately or accidentally.
hatched /hætʃt/ B2	verb - (of a young bird, fish, reptile, or insect) emerge from its egg.
mess /mes/ B1	verb - to interfere with something, especially in a meddling or clumsy way. noun - a dirty or untidy state of things or place.