[Verse 1]
I'm going to California where they sleep out every night, yeah
I'm going to California where they sleep out every night
I'm leaving you, Mama, 'cause you know you don't treat me right

[Verse 2]
Let me tell you something, Mama, that you don't know
Let me tell you something, good gal, that you don't know
Well, I'm a do-right papa and got a home everywhere I go, yay

[Verse 3]
I got the California blues and I'm sure gonna leave you here
I got the California blues and I'm sure gonna leave you here
I may ride the blinds, I ain't got no railroad fare

[Verse 4]
Listen to me, Mama, while I sing this song
Listen to your daddy sing you this lonesome song
You got me worried now, but I won't be worried too long

[Verse 5]
I got the California blues and I'm sure gonna leave you here
I got the California blues and I'm sure gonna leave you here
I may ride the blinds, I ain't got no railroad fare