High a top a mountain
Lookin' down to Panga Canyon
I came to see the blue pacific in the night
The stars are like a million dancin' diamonds on the water
And my lover's arms are wrapped around me tight

And almost empty bottle of rose sits on the table
Like the echo of a sweet and gentle song
I never stop and wonder why I came to California
But I often wonder why I took so long

Meanwhile back in Cleveland
Her alarm clock's loudly ringin'
And she's crawlin' out to face another day
A sleepy little boy child is tuggin' her pajamas
Sayin' "Mama, why did daddy go away?

But it's Saturday
And it's bowlin' den
And then the beauty parlor
And the wishy-washy laundry
And then home

And California's just a piece of fiction on her roadmap
And surely not the place
Her man has gone
Meanwhile back in Cleveland
Life goes on

The waves at Malibu today were perfect for the surfin'
And I hope I didn't soak up too much sun
We started once to take a boat to Catalina Island
But lyin' on the beach was too much fun

There's gonna be the screaming Sunday night at Universal
And a party up at Roger's place till dawn
I never stop and wonder why I came to California
But I often wonder why I took so long
Meanwhile back in Cleveland
The rain is slowly fallin'
And it's gonna be another lonely night
Someone said she's working in a cafe waiting tables

And I'm sorry
And I hope that she's alright
But the endless maze of PTA's
And queus and station wagons

And cuttin' grass and highly mortgaged homes
Drove me from the lovin' arms
I otherwise would die for
And make me seek a purpose of my own
Meanwhile back in Cleveland
Life goes on