Well, if we had an official rock song, it would have to come from a California band.  There are plenty of those.  It would have to embody the spirit of this state.  That would mean it would have to be edgy--something that no one had heard before.  It would have to be flattering to California.  And because it would be a rock song, that would mean it would have to rock.

There are some songs that we can dismiss because they do not meet those requirements.  One of them would be "California" by Phantom Planet.  "California" by Rufus Wainwright would be a better choice, but I'm not sure if it rocks enough to qualify itself to be a rock song, not to mention that he's not from California.  I would also question how flattering it is.  The flatter factor would also eliminate songs like "Welcome to Paradise" by Green Day and "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Paradise City" by GNR, although these songs meet the other criteria.  Is The Mamas and the Papas "California Dreaming" too bleak?  I don't know.

Are these criteria too tough?

The criteria is tough, but necessary.  They are the same factors that I have tried to think about when figuring out what I would want it to be... still haven't come up with anything yet.

sympathy for the devil.

uncontroversial?  when one of the band members showed up to the OK congress wearing a freekin hammer and sickle shirt?

that guy was a dumbass

I mentioned that there was controversy, but I specifically said the song was uncontroversial.  The lyrics: http://www.stlyrics.com/lyr...

"California Girls" by the Beach Boys, of course.

Definitiely not "Hotel California."

Ha, definitely not Hotel California indeed.

Yeah, I think "California Dreamin" would be good.  The Mamas and The Papas had a great harmony.

And I'd say definitely not "Californication."  ; ) 

Meh, California Dreamin' isn't rocking enough to be the official state rock song... maybe better as official state folk song?  And they are from New York, so I guess that wouldn't be fair to some awesome bands that have come out of California.  It doesn't have to say California in the name it just has to be emblematic of the state, so I guess it would have to be really really eclectic.

I'm sorry I can't help myself ... it's gotta be this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

--virgil

Same song popped into my head too Virgil, but it needs to rock harder!!!

Excellent, Virgil--except they're English. 

If we're going to be completely honest with ourselves, it would have to be:  http://www.youtube.com/watc...

Heck yes Catherine!! Nothing says California like the eclecticism of Jane's Addiction, it rocks and they're from California.

Not to mention, NHTomps, it reflects the ethos of many Californians, especially the Legislature.  ; )

Ha, well that's why that specific song wouldn't be acceptable as the state rock song.  Maybe something like Mountain Song or Ocean Size.

I must be getting old ...  :  )

--virgil

The DOORS---L.A.Woman----or is it just me....

Maybe, NHThomps.  You're probably right.

I was just thinking about G N R's "Civil War," too.  http://www.youtube.com/watc...

Talk about timely.

Well, naturally The Doors, but LA Woman... I don't know if it would be considered "appropriate"

Nothing Wrong with LA woman:

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

--virgil

~VIRGIL~  THANKS man..that was too cool--and you're insane....stay that way...

My name is LING--and I approve this message....

Oh nothing wrong, very right.  Some people may not be down with the mention of topless bars though... squares, man.

Don't like topless bars....that sounds alot like communism comrade...

You guys are all wrong. It's gotta be this timeless classic:

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

Wow, I haven't been rick rolled in literally months... Thank You.