[Verse 1]
I caught every red light on the way to catch you
But that train's pulled out, it's been long gone anyway
There was no note in frost on the window
Second thoughts or hidden signs

[Verse 2]
It's not like you stole off in the night
From the weight of something you just couldn't bear
You were never trying to elude me
You just had your plans and they didn't include me

[Chorus]
Southern California is your girlfriend, your girlfriend
The sunny twist of Venice Chez Jay
Some gay not all the way
Here I stand Midwestern corn-fed
Squinting down the track
It's time to unpack

[Verse 3]
I know what it means now, that je ne sais quoi
It means something taught you not to tell
Soon enough the air of your mystery
Is choked with the poisonous mix of your history
[Chorus]
Southern California is your girlfriend, your girlfriend
The sunny twist of Venice Chez Jay
Some gay not all the way
Here I stand Midwestern corn-fed
Staring down the track
It's time to unpack

[Bridge]
The ferris wheel where the tourists go
(There's a soldier on leave in a foreign land)
The late night deals behind the Loews
The hopeful stunner who takes your order
(There's a girl who dreams of lands across the sea)
Your last chance mojo south of the border

[Chorus]
Southern California is your girlfriend, your girlfriend
(The postcard pictures are rare and exotic
The hum of the engines is deep and hypnotic)
Southern California is your girlfriend
(The postcard pictures are rare and exotic
The hum of the engines is deep and hypnotic)
Here I stand Midwestern corn-fed
Staring down the track
It's time to unpack