[Verse 1]
I was a sucker a long time
I ain't a sucker, though, not anymore
That's what they all say, you’re just as bad as them
That's what they all say, what makes you think you're any better?
'Cause you're not, take a seat and a slot on the bus headin' West
You're gonna need your rest

[Chorus]
The next thing, I was in California
It didn't feel strange at all
Everybody said, "We've got to warn you
You won't be back next fall"
The next thing, I was in California
It didn't feel strange at all
Everybody said, "We've got to warn you
You won't be back next fall"

[Verse 2]
I've been sinnin', I've been beggin' to get caught
I've been waitin' for my freedom from this cult
I was plannin' my еscape, like nonstop
Got my ticket on thе last flight before the sun comes up
Again, over the bridge, it's creepin' over where I live

[Chorus]
The next thing, I was in California
It didn't feel strange at all
Everybody said, "We've got to warn ya
You won't be back next fall"
The next thing, I was in California
It didn't feel strange at all
Everybody said, "We've got to warn ya
You won't be back next fall"
[Break]
California, California
California (You never sent my stuff to me)
(But I don't really care much)
California (Someone sold my shit for me)
(I guess I never really needed it)

[Outro]
Red light at the top of the hill, I was stopped for an hour or two
Took a while to adjust to the fact I couldn't change it if I wanted to
To all my friends that are still in the city, are you wakin' up later and later?
To all my friends that are still my friends, I hope that's all the friends I ever made
Sweating through my shirt, crossing the bridge think I could maybe bum a change of attire
From an apartment on Lafayette Street or a house up in Brooklyn Heights
Pit stop on my way back to work, I hope I don't get caught in the rain
Even if I do, it won't be so bad, but maybe bad enough that I’ll feel some pain
Some pain is okay