MUS 1P • Department of Music • Spring 2017
Introduction to Musical Concepts
LIU Post • Long Island University
Looking at Form 2
California Gurls featuring Snoop Dogg
Written By Katy Perry, Calvin Broadus, Max Martin, Lukasz Gottwald, Bonnie McKee
Release Date: 2010
This page is an expanded version of the analysis included on the handout you received in class. Read through the notes and analysis then use the player located below to listen to the record.
Notes:
1) There is a motive in the background music that repeats throughout sections A, C and D. It is a 4-note motive that seems to be saying "Cal-i-for-nia"
2) The song has a definite ending (Cold). We hear the end of the song and the final sounds fading away.
Form Analysis:
I A A1 B C C A B C C D C C C1 (or E)
A variation of Verse-Chorus, also containing a Pre-Chorus and a Bridge
I = Introduction, A = Verse, B = Pre-Chorus, C = Chorus, D = Bridge
Suggestion: follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the record but focus closely on the music of each section. Listen for repetition and for contrast among the sections. When you hear a section end and the next section begin ask yourself, "Have I heard this section before or is it new?" then label accordingly by repeating a label or adding a new letter label. Note the variation too (e.g. second verse with the A1 label.)
(Watch for notes in the box above. Scroll the box below for more lyrics.)
I – Introduction (with spoken words)
Greetings loved ones
Let's take a journey
A – Verse
I know a place
Where the grass is really greener
Warm, wet and wild
There must be something in the water
A1 – Verse
Sippin' gin and juice
Laying underneath the palm trees (un-done)
The boys break their necks
Try'na to creep a little sneak peek (at us)
B – Pre-Chorus
You could travel the world
But nothing comes close to the golden coast
Once you party with us
You'll be falling in love oooooh oh oooooh
C – Chorus
California gurls
We're unforgettable
Daisy Dukes, bikinis on top
Sun-kissed skin so hot
We'll melt your popsicle
Oooooh Oh Oooooh
C – Chorus
California gurls
We're undeniable
Fine, fresh, fierce we got it on lock
West coast represent, now put your hands up
Oooooh Oh Oooooh
A – Verse
Sex on the beach
We don't mind sand in our stilettoes
We freak in my jeep
Snoop Doggy Dogg on the stereo o o
B – Pre-Chorus
You could travel the world
But nothing comes close to the golden coast
Once you party with us
You'll be falling in love o o o o
C – Chorus
California gurls
We're unforgettable
Daisy Dukes, bikinis on top
Sun-kissed skin so hot
We'll melt your popsicle
Oooooh Oh Oooooh
C – Chorus
California gurls
We're undeniable
Fine, fresh, fierce, we got it on lock
West coast represent, now put your hands up
Oooooh Oh Oooooh
D – Bridge
Toned tan fit and ready
Turn it up cuz it's getting heavy
Wild Wild West Coast
These are the girls I love the most
I mean the ones, I mean like she's the one
Kiss her, touch her, squeeze her ----
The girl's a freak, she drive a Jeep and live on the beach
I'm okay, I won't play
I love the bait just like I love LA
Venice Beach and Palm Springs
Summertime is everything
Homeboys bangin' out
All that --- hangin' out
Bikinis, zucchinis, martinis, no weenies, just a king and a queenie
Katy my lady (yeah)
Lookie here, baby (uh huh)
I'm all up on ya
Cuz you're representin' California
C – Chorus
California gurls
We're unforgettable
Daisy Dukes, bikinis on top
Sun-kissed skin so hot
We'll melt your popsicle
Oooooh Oh Oooooh
C – Chorus
California gurls
We're undeniable
Fine, fresh, fierce we got it on lock
West coast (west coast...) represent, now put your hands up
Oooooh Oh Oooooh
C1 – Chorus (could be called E)
California, California gurls (in background)
California gurls man
I really wish you all could be
California girls
(Californiaaa) (Instrumental Motive)
(Work-in-progress. Timings could be a lot better!)