"California Über Alles" was the first single by the Dead Kennedys. The record was released in June 1979 on Optional Music with "The Man with the Dogs" as the b-side. The title track was re-recorded for the band's first album, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980), and the version that appeared on this single, as well as the single's b-side, are available on the rarities album Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death (1987).

The lyrics were written by Jello Biafra and longtime childhood friend John Greenway, and Biafra solely composed the music in one of his rare early efforts when he attempted to compose music on guitar (most of Biafra's musical compositions have been done with him singing the parts into a tape recorder or to the musicians he records with during sessions or rehearsals)