Well, she left her home, deep in the valley
Where she lived so long ago
Well, they say she packed up west for California
Seeking her fame and fortune and a heart of gold

Well like some fool, you know that I did follow
Across the rivers, down the winding roads
Well, she better go get wise before they find her
Standing like a fool outside my door

Like a river wears a stone
This cold cuts to the bone
It's the only love I've ever known
Don't look for me when I'm gone
For I'll be traveling on
And I'll find my way all on my own

Well, I hear the wind calling out my name
Over mountains, onto distant shores
Well California, don't you know, that I did love you so
And you will never find a man like me again

Like a river wears a stone
This cold cuts to the bone
It's the only love I've ever known
Don't look for me when I'm gone
For I'll be traveling on
And I'll find my way all on my own
Well, I heard she left her home deep in the valley
Where she lived so long ago
Well, they say she packed up west for California
Seeking her fame and fortune and a heart of gold

But like a river wears a stone
This cold cuts to the bone
It's the only love I've ever known
Don't look for me when I'm gone
For I'll be traveling on
And I'll find my way all on my own
Yeah, I'll find my way all on my own
Well, I'll find my way all on my own
Well, I'll find my way all on my own