California Here I Come (Sophie B. Hawkins song)

The song's bridge was influenced by John Steinbeck's 1939 novel The Grapes of Wrath and features Hawkins reciting the Lord's Prayer. In 2004, Hawkins noted that "aspects of the chorus were influenced by Bugs Bunny going through the golden gates and finding 50 foot carrots". She added, "I had never been to California when I wrote the song. The lyrics are great to savor live, and they get truer somehow as time goes on." ==Critical reception==

Upon its release, Larry Flick of Billboard considered the song to be "an equally literate, highly potent pop/rock journey" to Hawkins' debut single "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover". He praised the single remix for providing "more emphasis on the melody" and giving it "a lighter, more accessible tone". Randy Clark of Cash Box commented, "With her Madonna-meets-Chrissie Hynde voice and unusually structured songwriting style, Sophie could get more AC play on this track." Music & Media stated, "With this follow up to 'Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover', this young singer/songwriter is destined to become the next Cyndi Lauper." Victoria Thieberger of The Age noted Hawkins' "distinctive voice" was "measured but warm" on the track. She also praised the song for being "richly orchestrated with a romantic synth sound over a heavy bass". ==Track listings==

7-inch and cassette single • "California Here I Come" (remix) – 4:20 • "Saviour Child" – 4:45 CD single (UK and Europe) • "California Here I Come" (remix) – 4:25 • "California Here I Come" (LP version) – 4:38 • "Saviour Child" – 4:43 CD single (Europe) • "California Here I Come" – 4:20 • "Saviour Child" – 4:43 • "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover" (remix) – 4:39 CD single (US release) • "California Here I Come" – 4:20 • "Saviour Child" – 4:43 ==Personnel==

Production • Rick Chertoff, Ralph Schuckett – producers of "California Here I Come" and "Saviour Child" • Steve Churchyard – recording on "California Here I Come" and "Saviour Child" • David Leonard – mixing on "California Here I Come" Other • Sophie B. Hawkins – illustration ==Charts==