(no subject)
in honor of last night... maybe for a lil bit of inspiration
leaving out some obvious ones, like "california dreamin'" and "hotel California" and "going to california" and the phantom planet one.
honorable mention to the entire Liars album 'Sisterworld' which is about LA and they see LA the exact same way I do.
Best California Song Ever award goes to:
Pavement - Unfair
Down to Santa Rosa and over the bay
Across the grapevine to LA
We got deserts we got trees
We got the hills of Beverly
Let's burn the hills of Beverly
Walk with your credit card in the air
Swinging nachos like you just don't care
This is a slow, sick suckin' part of me
This is a slow, sick suckin' part of me And when I'm sucking kisses, sour
Up to the top of Shasta gulch
To the bottom of the Tahoe Lake
Man-made deltas and concrete rivers
The south takes what the north delivers
You film hack, I don't use your pay
Lost in the foothills of Mount Pine
Drinking Euro, say goodnight
to the last psychedelic band
from Sacto Northern Cal
South Sacto, Northern Cal
Taylor, neighbor
You're my neighbor
And I need favors
You're my neighbor
You don't need favors
Cause I'm your neighbor
(I'm not your neighbor
You crazy street (bakersfield) trash
---
Rouge Wave - California
Screw California
And friends that are never there
And places that they oughta
Pretend that they even care
From a false family, she could light you up
Like a holiday tree in the summer
So lead us there
So screw California
And ice that will never melt
From hearts of the modern
Children of Cicero
From a false family, she could light you up
Like a holiday tree in the summer
So lead us there
---
Billy Bragg and Wilco (lyrics by Woodie Guthrie) - California Stars
I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd love to feel
Your hand touching mine
And tell me why
I must keep working on
Yes I'd give my life
To lay my head tonight on a bed
Of California stars
I'd like to dream
My troubles all away
On a bed of California stars
Jump up from my starbed
Make another day
Underneath my California stars
They hang like grapes
On vines that shine
And warm the lovers' glass
Like friendly wine
So I'd give this world
Just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd love to feel
Your hand touching mine
And tell me why
I must keep working on
Yes I'd give my life
To lay my head tonight on a bed
Of California stars
I'd like to dream
My troubles all away
On a bed of California stars
Jump up from my starbed
Make another day
Underneath my California stars
They hang like grapes
On vines that shine
And warm the lovers' glass
Like friendly wine
So I'd give this world
Just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
So I'd give this world
Just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
(Dream a dream with you)
---
Elliott Smith - LA
The gentleman's in the lane
Spinning his hat on a cane
Stepping out, out for change
"Good morning all, it's a beautiful day"
The generals are winning a war
Seemed suicidal before
You came alone, now
I'll protect you, long as you stay
L.A.
Morning never come
You'll be walking in the sun
Living in the day
But last night I was about to throw it all away
If patience started a band
I'd be her biggest fan
Look at me, I'm talking to you
I don't want the lead in your play
The star's just a part of the scene
The gentleman in green
Paying off, out on the street
I can't go home, it's not on my way
L.A.
Things are never done
Car's parked in the sun
Living in the day
Last night I was about to throw it all away
---
Elliott Smith - Angeles
Someone's always coming around here trailing some new kill
Says, "I seen your picture on a hundred dollar bill"
And what's a game of chance to you, to him is one of real skill
So glad to meet you
Angeles
Picking up the ticket shows there's money to be made
Go on and lose the gamble, that's the history of the trade
You add up all the cards left to play to zero
And sign up with evil
Angeles
Don't start me trying now
Because I'm all over it
Angeles
I could make you satisfied in everything you do
All your "secret wishes" could right now be coming true
And be forever with my poison arms around you
No one's going to fool around with us
No one's going to fool around with us
So glad to meet you
Angeles
---
Elliott Smith - Alameda
You walk down Alameda
Shuffling your deck of trick cards over everyone
Like some precious only son
Face down, bow to the champion
You walk down Alameda
Looking at the cracks in the sidewalk
Thinking about your friends
How you maintain all them in a constant state of suspense
For your own protection over their affection
Nobody broke your heart
You broke your own because you can't finish what you start
Walk down Alameda
Brushing off the nightmare you wish
Could plague me when I'm awake
And now you see your first mistake
Was thinking that you could relate
For one or two minutes she liked you
But the fix is in
You're all pretension
I never pay attention
Nobody broke your heart
You broke your own because you can't finish what you start
Nobody broke your heart
You broke your own because you can't finish what you start
Nobody broke your heart
You broke your own because you can't finish what you start
Nobody broke your heart
If you're alone it must be you that wants to be apart
---
Six Organs of Admittance - Hazy SF
(i don't have the lyrics for the whole song, but the chorus is:)
San Fransisco mornings can be so hazy
With everybody waking up drunk and lazy
---
Sleater-Kinney - Jumpers
I spend the afternoon in cars
I sit in traffic jams for hours
don't push me, I am not OK
the sky is blue most every day
the lemons grow like tumors they
are tiny suns infused with sour
lonely as a cloud
in the Golden State
The coldest winter that I ever saw
Was the summer that I spent
the only substance is the fog
and it hides all that has gone wrong
can't see a thing inside the maze
there is a bridge adored and famed
the Golden spine of engineering
whose back is heavy with my weight
lonely as a cloud
in the Golden State
The coldest winter that I ever saw
Was the summer that I spent
be still this old heart
be still this old skin
drink your last drink
sin your last sin
sing your last song
about the beginning
sing it out loud
so the people can hear
let's go!
be still this sad day
be still this sad year
hope your last hope
fear you last fear
your not the only one
let's go!
my falling shape will draw a line
between the blue of sea and sky
I'm not a bird, I'm not a plane
I took a taxi to the gate
I will not go to school again
four seconds was the longest wait
four seconds was the longest
---
Liars - The Overachivers
I bought a house with you
We settled down with cats
There wasn't much to do
So we just sat and watched the TV
And smoked weed
We drove a biocar
'Cos we all love the earth
It didn't get us far
And always sounded like a walrus
With ulcers
L! A!
L! A!
We surfed at Malibu
So we could see the stars
And when the sun fell off
We'd drive back slowly
to Topanga
L! A!
L! A!
Then once that wasn't enough
We gave up on our jobs
And bought back all our time
To spend it walking in the forest
L! A!
L! A!
HELP! ME!
HELP! ME!
L! A!
L! A!
I bought a house with you
We settled down with cats!
There wasn't much to do
So we just sat and watched the TV
---
X - Los Angeles
She had to leave
Los Angeles
All her toys wore out in black
And her boys had too
She started to hate every nigger and jew
Every mexican that gave her lotta shit
Every homosexual and the idle rich
She had to get out
To get out
To get out
To get out
To get out
She gets confused
Flying over the dateline
Her hands turn red
Cause the days change at night
Change in an instant
The days change at night
Change in an instant
She had to leave
Los Angeles
She found it hard to say goodbye to her own best friend
She bought a clock on Hollywood Blvd. the day she left
It felt sad
It felt sad
It felt sad
She had to get out
To get out
To get out
To get out
To get out
She gets confused
Flying over the dateline
Her hands turn red
Cause the days change at night
Change in an instant
The days change at night
Change in an instant
---
Art Brut - Moving to LA
There's not much glamour 'bout the English weather
There's nothing left keeping us together
Sunshine on a rainy day
Makes me want to move away
I think I've got it sorted
I'm gonna get myself deported
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
Hang around with Axl Rose
Buy myself some brand new clothes
Everything's gonna be just fine
I hear the murder rate is in decline
I'll do me some relaxing
Maybe grab a piece of action
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
When I get off the plane
The first thing I'm gonna do is
Strip naked to the waist
And ride my Harley Davidson
Up and down Sunset Strip
Hmm, I might even get a tattoo
My problems are never gonna find me
I'm not sending one letter or even a postcard back
I'm drinking Hennessy with Morrissey
On a beach out of reach somewhere very far away
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
---
Rilo Kiley - Glendora
It's New Year's Eve, I'm in Glendora
I'm the only living person in Glendora
Heading east on the freeway
I left my prom dress on the bus-stop in Duarte
I switch the rules, you take advantage
You know I always like to play the victim
And would you fuck me? Because I'd fuck me
Am I your wetnap?
Freestyle walking
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I'm on my way, I want to see you
You're in your bedroom with some dancers underneath you
I come inside, I hear the door slam
You tell me if I really loved you I'd get with them
They make me sick, you make me sicker
But I want to please you so I go and I get with her
I close my eyes, I think about me
I'm just your wetnap
Freestyle walking
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I should find someone better for me
But Mom says we're born this way
Every time I come over to your house
You just shit on my face
And you know it, you know it
You know, you know it really freaks me out
I drove for hours on bad directions
I arrive, there's something you forgot to mention
An afterthought, straight to the tabby
"Sorry Angel, went to Reno," happy, happy
It ain't the rest, why do you Jenny?
I'm in a booth, it's almost twelve, your favorite Denny's
Another year, I need a sundae
I'm just your sidebet
Freestyle walking
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
---
Brian Wilson - Southern California
I had this dream
Singing with my brothers
In harmony
Supporting each other
Tailwinds, rear spin,
Down the Pacific coast
Surfing on the end
Heard those voices again
Southern California
Dreams wake up for ya
And when you wake up here
You wake up everywhere
In the flow of the ocean
And the warmth of the rains
Heard music in the air
And in the waves
The wind chimes, not to rhyme,
We had nothing but time
In Southern California
I heard the voice of the line
Southern California
Dreams wake up for ya
And when you wake up here
You wake up everywhere
Whoa, whoa, whoa it's magical
Living a dream
Don't wanna sleep
You might miss something
Whoa, whoa, whoa, it's magical
I'm glad it happened to me
Nodded off in a bad dream,
Woke up in history
Surfers in the West
The sun ran into the sea
As we headed home
We drove into a movie
Love songs, pretty girls,
Didn't want it to end
Tried to slow down the motion
So it could move us again
Southern California
Dreams wake up for ya
And when you wake up here
You wake up everywhere
Southern, Cali, fornia...
(Whoa, whoa, whoa, it's magical)
Southern, Cali, fornia...
(Glad it happened to me)
Roll around in heaven all day,
Lucky old sun
Roll around in heaven all day,
Lucky old sun
Nothin' to do
Roll around in heaven
I'm workin' all day
Roll around in heaven
I roll around in heaven all day.
Roll. Roll.
Work. Work. A-workin' in the sun all day
Work. Work. A-workin' in the sun all day
---
Brian Wilson - California Role
You broke your hand
Punchin' the clock
So you could feel your heart
Took the Greyhound all the way
West to where the streets
Are paved with stars
It's never too late
To find your California Role.
The Hollywood sign burns
Through the smog,
And reawakens your dreams
Livin' under this sun,
Disappointment's
Not as bad as it seems
It's never too late
To find your California Role.
Every girl,
The next Marilyn
(Woo-ooh)
Every guy,
Errol Flynn
(Woo-ooh)
Sometimes
You've got to get
At your dreams,
And
Find the spotlight
Behind the scenes
Here in California
Man, I gotta warn ya
Find your California Role.
Ya don't have to climb
The Capitol Tower
Or play the Hollywood Bowl
If there's a roll
In your heart and a
Rock in your soul
If you miss your shot,
It doesn't mean
You won't reach your goal.
Don't drown your sorrows now,
Just take a dip
You can satisfy your thirst
With just one sip
If you missed the premiere
Cos you never arrived
The best part of this trip
Just might be the ride
Here in California,
Man I gotta warn ya
Find your California... Role.
---
Tom Waits - Goin' Out West
Well I'm goin' out west
Where the wind blows tall
'Cause Tony Franciosa
Used to date my ma
They got some money out there
They're giving it away
I'm gonna do what I want
And I'm gonna get paid
Do what I want
And I'm gonna get paid
Little brown sausages
Lying in the sand
I ain't no extra, baby
I'm a leading man
Well my parole officer
Will be proud of me
With my Olds 88
And the devil on a leash
My Olds 88
And the devil on a leash
Well I know karate, voodoo too
I'm gonna make myself available to you
I don't need no make up
I got real scars
I got hair on my chest
I look good without a shirt
Well I don't lose my composure
In a high speed chase
Well my friends think I'm ugly
I got a masculine face
I got some dragstrip courage
I can really drive a bed
I'm gonna change my name
To Hannibal or maybe
Just Rex
Change my name to Hannibal
Or may be just Rex
I'm gonna drive all night
Take some speed
I'm gonna wait for the sun
To shine down on me
I cut a hole in my roof
The shape of a heart
And I'm goin' out west
Where they'll appreciate me
Goin' out west
Goin' out west
---
The Rivieras - California Sun
Well, I'm goin' out west where I belong
Where the days are short and the nights are long
Where they walk and I'll walk
They twist and I'll twist
They shimmy and I'll shimmy
They fly and I'll fly
Well they're out there a'havin' fun
In that warm California sun.
Well, I'm goin' out west out on the coast
Where the California girls are really the most
Where they walk and I'll walk
They twist and I'll twist
They shimmy and I'll shimmy
They fly and I'll fly
Well they're out there a'havin' fun
In that warm California sun.
Well the girls are frisky in old 'Frisco
A pretty little chick wherever you go
A-a-and they'll walk and I'll walk
They'll twist and I'll twist
They'll shimmy and I'll shimmy
They'll fly and I'll fly
Well they're out there a'havin' fun
In that warm California sun
Yeah they're out there a'havin' fun
In that warm California sun
--- Josiah Wolf - Master Cleanse (California) Long showers, in these hours Standing naked, it's a good time to pray Shower head, lower case god Wash it all away California, what have you done to me? I'm waiting for the big one, then we can laugh about this debris Soft science, I have no alliance But I've been praying to learn how to pray It's in the eyes, but when you realize It quickly goes away California, what have you done to me? I'm waiting for the big one, then we can laugh about this debris ---
Wavves - California Goths
i'm getting high
to pass the time
no reason why
was my reply
when i die
the sun will always shine
i think i've lost my mind
he's looking out for you
when i die
---
The Beach Boys - California Girls
Well East coast girls are hip
I really dig those styles they wear
And the Southern girls with the way they talk
They knock me out when I'm down there
The Mid-West farmer's daughters really make you feel alright
And the Northern girls with the way they kiss
They keep their boyfriends warm at night
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California girls
The West coast has the sunshine
And the girls all get so tanned
I dig a french bikini on Hawaii island
Dolls by a palm tree in the sand
I been all around this great big world
And I seen all kinds of girls
Yeah, but I couldn't wait to get back in the states
Back to the cutest girls in the world
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California girls
I wish they all could be California
(Girls, girls, girls yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California
(Girls, girls, girls yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California
(Girls, girls, girls yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California
---
Beulah - Gene Autry
A man named Gene's got a beautiful voice
He carries me home on his beautiful horse
And where she waits, I will ride ride ride
Come on stranger, just sing me a song
And if it's sad, I'll sing along-long-long,
I told you I knew every word
When I get to California
Gonna write my name in the sand
I'm gonna lay this body down
And watch the waves roll in
And when the city spreads out
Just like a cut vein
Everybody drowns, sad and lonely
Well everybody drowns, sad and lonely
Well everybody drowns, sad and lonely alright
Sweet sweet dreams, and color and sound
Highways in the faraway to be found
I saw gold mines, in the sky sky sky
They were clouds just waiting to cry
And with the wind
I'm dancing drift drift drift
In the shapes of the place that I miss
And when I get to California
Gonna write my name in the sand
I'm gonna lay this body down
And watch the waves roll in
I'm gonna rest this weary head
On someone who I think will care
But when the stars in the sky start fallin
I think you'll understand
That the city spreads out
Just like a cut vein
Everybody drowns, sad and lonely
Well everybody drowns, sad and lonely
Well everybody drowns, sad and lonely alright
Yeah I'm waiting
For something to give
Well I'm waiting
I hope it's not me
Yeah I'm waiting
For something to give
Yeah I'm waiting...
---
Joanna Newsom - In California
my heart became a drunken lung
on the day i sunk in this shunt
to tap me clean
of all the wonder
and the sorrow i have seen
since i left my home
my home on the old milk lake
where the darkness does fall so fast
it feels like some kind of mistake
just like they told you it would
just like they told you it would
when i came into my land
i did not understand
neither dry rot or the burn pile or the bark
beetle or the dry well
or the black ale
but there is another
who is a little older
when i broke my bone,
he carried me up from the riverside
to spend my life in spitting distance
of the love that i have known
i must stay here
in an endless evening tide
and if you come and see me
you'll upset the order
you cannot come and see me
for i set myself apart
but when you come and see me
in California
you cross the border of my heart
well, i have sown untidy furrows 'cross my soil
but i am still a coward
content to see my garden grow so sweet
and full of someone else's flowers
sometimes i can almost feel the power
sometimes i am so in love with you
like a little clock that trembles on the edge of the hour
only ever calling out "cuck-oo, hoo-oo, hoo-oo"
when i called you
you little one
in a bad way
did you love me?
do you spite me?
time will tell
if i can be well
and rise to meet you rightly
when moving across my land
brandishing themselves like a burning branch
advance the tallow-colored, wall-eyed deer
quiet as gondoliers
well, i wait all night for you in California
watching the fox pick off my goldfish
from their sorry, golden state
and i am no longer afraid of anything
save the life that here awaits
i don't belong to anyone
my heart is heavy as an oil drum
and i don't want to be alone
my heart is yellow as an ear of corn
and i have torn my soul apart
from pulling artlessly with (f..) commands
some nights i just never go to sleep at all
and i stand
shaking in the doorway like a sentinel, all alone
bracing like the bow upon a ship
and fully abandoning
any thought of anywhere but home
my home
sometimes i can almost feel the power
and i do love you
is it only timing that has made it such a dark hour
only ever chiming out "cuck-oo, hoo-oo, hoo-oo"
my heart
i wear you down
i know
gotta think straight
keep a clean plate
keep from wearing down
if i lose my hay
just where am i going to lay?
for it has half who need to be hanging around
you know Daphne blew out the big ground
i'm a native too, but i'm overgrown
i am sure my roots are near this
here down in California
---
Alkaline Trio - San Francisco
Choking on the thought of leaving,
Drinking to keep from sobbing
4pm, 4 dollar pints - SFO - the time and price.
With all my happiness aborted, the PA painfully starts boarding
I sink deep - 30 thousand feet into my window seat - electric chair
and I was drinking you goodbye
A heart floats in the bay
From sour home Chicago
I hear it beating far away
There's no telling what I'll do
If I don't return to you.
Hopeful thoughts of soon returning,
can't put out my stomach burning.
Plastic wings and plastic smiles
Unsalted peanuts stretch my miles.
Choking on the thought of leaving,
Drinking to keep from heaving
5pm 5 dollar pints - Hellbound Airlines - time and price.
and I was drinking you goodbye
A heart floats in the bay
From sour home Chicago
I hear it beating far away
There's no telling what I'll do
If I don't return to you.
I was drinking you goodbye
A heart floats in the bay
From sour home Chicago
I hear it beating far away
There's no telling what I'll do
If I don't return to you.
---
Eagles of Death Metal - San Berdoo Sunburn
Tapping time with one good finger
I got this girlfriend and she's a swinger
We make plans and then we head out to
San Bernardino
We get gas at the local P & M
Buy a coke in a can made of tin
We drink fast because
We're headed out west to San Bernardino
And we shall miss Carolina
And the east coast as opposed to the west
We won't shed any tears though
Nor even be sad because we know
The western desert is the best!
I filled a bag with cigarettes and apple wine
We'll hit the road again at 10 minutes to 9
Me and this girl I think she's pregnant
And we're headed to San Bernardino
And then when we hit Texas
We'll stop in Amarillo for a bite to eat
We'll stop on over in Dallas
And visit my friend but we can't stay
For more than a week
I've got the south in my veins
But California in my mouth
And that's the simple reason
Why i'm leaving the south
Me and this girl and she's so foxy
And we're heading to San Bernardino
Whoo
That was close we crossed the Tennesse state border
They would've locked us up by the sheriffs order
Yes we're freaks
But they can't touch us out west
In San Bernardino
---
Tupac Shakur - California Love
California love!
1-California...knows how to party
California...knows how to party
In the citaaay of L.A.
In the citaaay of good ol' Watts
In the citaaay, the city of Compton
We keep it rockin! We keep it rockin!
Now let me welcome everybody to the wild, wild west
A state that's untouchable like Elliot Ness
The track hits ya eardrum like a slug to ya chest
Pack a vest for your Jimmy in the city of sex
We in that sunshine state with a bomb ass hemp beat
the state where ya never find a dance floor empty
And pimps be on a mission for them greens
lean mean money-makin-machines servin fiends
I been in the game for ten years makin rap tunes
ever since honeys was wearin sassoon
Now it's '95 and they clock me and watch me
Diamonds shinin lookin like I robbed Liberace
It's all good, from Diego to tha Bay
Your city is tha bomb if your city makin pay
Throw up a finger if ya feel the same way
Dre puttin it down for
Californ-i-a
2-Shake it shake it baby
Shake it shake it baby
Shake it shake it mama
Shake it Cali
Shake it shake it baby
Shake it shake it shake it shake it...
Out on bail fresh outta jail
California dreamin
Soon as I stepped on the scene
I'm hearin hoochies screamin
Fiendin for money and alcohol
the life of a west side playa where cowards die
Only in Cali where we riot now rallies are live and die
In L.A. we wearin Chucks not Ballies (that's right)
Dressed in Locs and khaki suits and ride is what we do
Flossin but have caution we collide with other crews
Famous cause we program worldwide
Let'em recognize from Long beach to Rosecrans
Bumpin and grindin like a slow jam, it's west side
So you know the row won't bow down to no man
Say what you say
But give me that bomb beat from Dre
Let me serenade the streets of L.A.
From Oakland to Sactown
The Bay Area and back down
Cali is where they put they mack down
Give me love!
now make it shake...
uh, yeah, uh, long beach in tha house, uh yeah
Oaktown, Oakland definitely in tha house hahaha
Frisco, Frisco
hey, you know LA is up in this
Pasadena, where you at
yeah, Inglewood, Inglewood always up to no good
even Hollywood tryin to get a piece baby
Sacramento, Sacramento where ya at? yeah
Throw it up y'all, throw it up, Throw it up
Let's show these fools how we do this on that west side
Cause you and I know it's tha best side
yeah, That's riight
west coast, west coast
uh, California Love
California Love
---
The Beatles - Blue Jay Way
There's a fog upon L.A.
And my friends have lost their way
"We'll be over soon," they said
Now they've lost themselves instead.
Please don't be long, please don't you be very long
Please don't be long or I may be asleep
Well it only goes to show
And I told them where to go
Ask a policeman on the street
There's so many there to meet
Please don't be long, please don't you be very long
Please don't be long or I may be asleep
Now it's past my bed I know
And I'd really like to go
Soon it will be the break of day
Sitting here in Blue Jay Way
Please don't be long, please don't you be very long
Please don't be long or I may be asleep
Please don't be long, please don't you be very long
Please don't be long, please don't be long
Please don't you be very long
Please don't be long
Please don't be long
Please don't you be very long
Please don't be long
Don't be long, don't be long, don't be long
Don't be long, don't be long, don't be long
---
Vampire Weekend - California English
Wouldn't ever gag you with a spoon, my only true love
Never really heard you speak that way, it's unworthy of
Funny how that little college girl called language corrupt
Funny how the other private schools had no Hapa Club
Someone took a trip before you came to ski in the Alps
Your father moved across the country
Just to sunburn his scalp
Contra Costa, Contra Mundum, contradict what I say
Living like the French Connection, but we'll die in LA
Blasted from a disconnected light switch
Through the condo that they'll never finish
Bounced across a Saudi satellite dish
And through your brain to California English
No one sits inside a freezing flat and stays there 'til May
Leafing through a stack of A-Zs to surf the UK
Waiting with the wind against your face
And gel in your hair
Shivering in little undershirts, but don't seem to care
Blasted from a disconnected light switch
Through the condo that they'll never finish
Bounced across a Saudi satellite dish
And through your brain to California English
Sweet carob rice cake
She don't care how the sweets taste
Fake Philly cheese steak
But she use real toothpaste
Cuz if that Tom's don't work
If it just makes you worse
Would you loose all of you faith in the good Earth
And if it's all a curse
And we're just getting worse
Baby, please don't lose your faith in the good earth
Blasted from a disconnected light switch
Through the condo that they'll never finish
Bounced across a Saudi satellite dish
And through your brain to California English
---
Radiohead - Palo Alto
In a city of the future
It is difficult to concentrate
Meet the boss, meet the wife
Everybody's happy
Everyone is made for life
In a city of the future
It is difficult to find a space
I'm too busy to see you
You're too busy to wait
But I'm okay, how are you?
Thanks for asking, thanks for asking
But I'm okay, how are you?
I hope you're okay too
Everyone one of those days
When the sky's California blue
With a beautiful bombshell
I throw myself into my work
I'm too lazy, I've been kidding myself for so long
I'm okay, how are you?
Thanks for asking, thanks for asking
But I'm okay, how are you?
I hope you're okay too
---
Ozma - Los Angeles
each friday night
i've gotta moan
cause it's not right
to be alone
and i'm alone
and so i sleep
wake up at dawn
and leave before
the moon is gone
i know it's wrong
wr-o-o-ong
i've got to find some way out of here
jump on a plane and i disappear
maybe east of ohio
maybe that's where i ought to go
cause living here i've got so down
i guess that's why i've got to leave town
to find some place i haven't found
cause i know that you'll be there waiting
back, back, honey
take me back, baby
i want to stay in l.a.
back, back, baby
take me back, sugar
i want to stay
when i get home
the house is dark
the only sound
is joey's bark
been looking for another place a while
seen every town up in northern cal.
searching further every country mile
i saw new york and i like it's style
but still i've gotta say i love l.a.
i guess that's why i feel i've gotta stay
the hot streets and the summer nights
so lonely
i know it's sad but i love l.a.
it's even sadder that i'm here to stay
i might vacation on an isle away
but this is where i'll spend my dying day
so now it's time for me get me a wife
and live in town with her for all of my life
i'll understand when my hair turns grey
why i
i live
in l.a.
---
Tom Waits - San Diego Serenade
I never saw the morning 'til I stayed up all night
I never saw the sunshine 'til you turned out the light
I never saw my hometown until I stayed away too long
I never heard the melody, until I needed a song.
I never saw the white line, 'til I was leaving you behind
I never knew I needed you 'til I was caught up in a bind
I never spoke 'I love you' 'til I cursed you in vain,
I never felt my heartstrings until I nearly went insane.
I never saw the east coast 'til I move to the west
I never saw the moonlight until it shone off your breast
I never saw your heart 'til someone tried to steal, tried to steal it away
I never saw your tears until they rolled down your face.
---
Pavement - Two States
Two states
We want two states
North and south
Two, two states
40 Million Daggers (x4)
Two states
We want two states
There's no culture
There's no spies
40 million daggers
---
Frank Zappa - Valley Girl
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Okay, fine...
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
In a clothing store
Okay, fine...
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
In a clothing store
Like, OH MY GOD! (Valley Girl)
Like-TOTALLY (Valley Girl)
Enchino is like SO BITCHEN (Valley Girl)
There's like the Galleria (Valley Girl)
And like all these like really great shoe stores
I love going into like clothing stores and stuff
I like buy the neatest mini-skirts and stufl
It's like so BITCHEN cuz like everybody's like
Super-super nice...
It's like so BITCHEN..,
On Ventura, there she goes
She just bought some bitchen clothes
Tosses her head 'n flips her hair
She got a whole bunch of nothin' in there
Anyway, he goes are you into S and M?
I go, oh RIGHT...
Could you like just picture me in like a LEATHER TEDDY
Yeah right, HURT ME. HURT ME...
I'm sure! NO WAY'
He was like freaking me out...
He called me a BEASTIE...
That's cuz like he was totally BLITZED
He goes like BAG YOUR FACE'
I'm sure!
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Okay. fine...
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
So sweet 'n pure
Okay, fine...
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
So sweet'n pure
It's really sad (Valley Girl)
Like my English teacher
He's like... (Valley Girl)
He's like Mr. BU-FU (Valley Girl)
We're talking Lord God King BU-FU (Valley Girl)
I am SO SURE
He's like so GROSS
He like sits there and like plays with all his rings
And he like flirts with all the guys in the class
It's like totally disgusting
I'm like so sure
It's like BARF ME OUT...
Gag me with a spoon!
Last idea to cross her mind
Had something to do with where to find
A pair of jeans to fit her butt
And where to get her toenails cut
So like I go into this like salon place, y'know
And I wanted like to get my toenails done
And the lady like goes., oh my God, your toenails
Are like so GRODY
It was like really embarrassing
She's like OH MY GOD, like BAG THOSE TOENAILS
I'm like sure...
She goes, uh, I don't know if I can handle this, y'know.
I was like really embarrassed...
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Okay, fine
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
And there is no cure
Okay, fine
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
And there is no cure
Like my mother is like a total space cadet (Valley Girl)
She like makes me do the dishes and (Valley Girl)
CLEAN the cat box (Valley Girl)
I am sure
That's like GROSS (Valley Girl)
BARF OUT' (Valley Girl)
OH MY GOD (Valley Girl
Hi!
Uh-huh... (Valley Girl)
My name?
My name is Ondrya Wolfson (Valley Girl)
Uh-huh
That's right, Ondrya (Valley Girl)
Uh-huh .
I know (Valley Girl)
It's like ...
I do not talk funny ...
I'm sure (Valley Girl)
Whatsa matter with the way I talk? (Valley Girl)
I am a VAL, I know
But I live in like in a really good part of Encino so it's okay (Valley Girl)
So like, I don't know
I'm like freaking out totally
Oh my God!
Hi - I have to go to the orthodontist
I'm getting my braces off, y'know
But I have to wear a retainer
That's going to be really like a total bummer
I'm freaking out
I'm SURE
Like those things that like stick in your mouth
They're so gross ..
You like get saliva all over them
But like, I don't know, it's going to be cool, ya know
So you can see my smile
It'll be like really cool
Except my like my teeth are like too small
But NO BIGGIE. .
It's so AWESOME
It's like TUBULAR, y'know
Well, I'm not like really ugly or anything
It's just like
I don't know
You know me, I'm like into like the clean stuff
Like, MAN and like, I don't know
Like my mother like makes me do the dishes
It's like so GROSS...
Like all the stuff like sticks to the plates
And its like, it's like somebody e/ses food, y'know
It's like GRODY...
GRODY TO THE MAX
I'm sure
It's like really nauseating
Like BARF OUT
GAG ME WITH A SPOON
GROSS
I am SURE
TOTALLY .
leaving out some obvious ones, like "california dreamin'" and "hotel California" and "going to california" and the phantom planet one.
honorable mention to the entire Liars album 'Sisterworld' which is about LA and they see LA the exact same way I do.
Best California Song Ever award goes to:
Pavement - Unfair
Down to Santa Rosa and over the bay
Across the grapevine to LA
We got deserts we got trees
We got the hills of Beverly
Let's burn the hills of Beverly
Walk with your credit card in the air
Swinging nachos like you just don't care
This is a slow, sick suckin' part of me
This is a slow, sick suckin' part of me And when I'm sucking kisses, sour
Up to the top of Shasta gulch
To the bottom of the Tahoe Lake
Man-made deltas and concrete rivers
The south takes what the north delivers
You film hack, I don't use your pay
Lost in the foothills of Mount Pine
Drinking Euro, say goodnight
to the last psychedelic band
from Sacto Northern Cal
South Sacto, Northern Cal
Taylor, neighbor
You're my neighbor
And I need favors
You're my neighbor
You don't need favors
Cause I'm your neighbor
(I'm not your neighbor
You crazy street (bakersfield) trash
---
Rouge Wave - California
Screw California
And friends that are never there
And places that they oughta
Pretend that they even care
From a false family, she could light you up
Like a holiday tree in the summer
So lead us there
So screw California
And ice that will never melt
From hearts of the modern
Children of Cicero
From a false family, she could light you up
Like a holiday tree in the summer
So lead us there
---
Billy Bragg and Wilco (lyrics by Woodie Guthrie) - California Stars
I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd love to feel
Your hand touching mine
And tell me why
I must keep working on
Yes I'd give my life
To lay my head tonight on a bed
Of California stars
I'd like to dream
My troubles all away
On a bed of California stars
Jump up from my starbed
Make another day
Underneath my California stars
They hang like grapes
On vines that shine
And warm the lovers' glass
Like friendly wine
So I'd give this world
Just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd love to feel
Your hand touching mine
And tell me why
I must keep working on
Yes I'd give my life
To lay my head tonight on a bed
Of California stars
I'd like to dream
My troubles all away
On a bed of California stars
Jump up from my starbed
Make another day
Underneath my California stars
They hang like grapes
On vines that shine
And warm the lovers' glass
Like friendly wine
So I'd give this world
Just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
So I'd give this world
Just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars
(Dream a dream with you)
---
Elliott Smith - LA
The gentleman's in the lane
Spinning his hat on a cane
Stepping out, out for change
"Good morning all, it's a beautiful day"
The generals are winning a war
Seemed suicidal before
You came alone, now
I'll protect you, long as you stay
L.A.
Morning never come
You'll be walking in the sun
Living in the day
But last night I was about to throw it all away
If patience started a band
I'd be her biggest fan
Look at me, I'm talking to you
I don't want the lead in your play
The star's just a part of the scene
The gentleman in green
Paying off, out on the street
I can't go home, it's not on my way
L.A.
Things are never done
Car's parked in the sun
Living in the day
Last night I was about to throw it all away
---
Elliott Smith - Angeles
Someone's always coming around here trailing some new kill
Says, "I seen your picture on a hundred dollar bill"
And what's a game of chance to you, to him is one of real skill
So glad to meet you
Angeles
Picking up the ticket shows there's money to be made
Go on and lose the gamble, that's the history of the trade
You add up all the cards left to play to zero
And sign up with evil
Angeles
Don't start me trying now
Because I'm all over it
Angeles
I could make you satisfied in everything you do
All your "secret wishes" could right now be coming true
And be forever with my poison arms around you
No one's going to fool around with us
No one's going to fool around with us
So glad to meet you
Angeles
---
Elliott Smith - Alameda
You walk down Alameda
Shuffling your deck of trick cards over everyone
Like some precious only son
Face down, bow to the champion
You walk down Alameda
Looking at the cracks in the sidewalk
Thinking about your friends
How you maintain all them in a constant state of suspense
For your own protection over their affection
Nobody broke your heart
You broke your own because you can't finish what you start
Walk down Alameda
Brushing off the nightmare you wish
Could plague me when I'm awake
And now you see your first mistake
Was thinking that you could relate
For one or two minutes she liked you
But the fix is in
You're all pretension
I never pay attention
Nobody broke your heart
You broke your own because you can't finish what you start
Nobody broke your heart
You broke your own because you can't finish what you start
Nobody broke your heart
You broke your own because you can't finish what you start
Nobody broke your heart
If you're alone it must be you that wants to be apart
---
Six Organs of Admittance - Hazy SF
(i don't have the lyrics for the whole song, but the chorus is:)
San Fransisco mornings can be so hazy
With everybody waking up drunk and lazy
---
Sleater-Kinney - Jumpers
I spend the afternoon in cars
I sit in traffic jams for hours
don't push me, I am not OK
the sky is blue most every day
the lemons grow like tumors they
are tiny suns infused with sour
lonely as a cloud
in the Golden State
The coldest winter that I ever saw
Was the summer that I spent
the only substance is the fog
and it hides all that has gone wrong
can't see a thing inside the maze
there is a bridge adored and famed
the Golden spine of engineering
whose back is heavy with my weight
lonely as a cloud
in the Golden State
The coldest winter that I ever saw
Was the summer that I spent
be still this old heart
be still this old skin
drink your last drink
sin your last sin
sing your last song
about the beginning
sing it out loud
so the people can hear
let's go!
be still this sad day
be still this sad year
hope your last hope
fear you last fear
your not the only one
let's go!
my falling shape will draw a line
between the blue of sea and sky
I'm not a bird, I'm not a plane
I took a taxi to the gate
I will not go to school again
four seconds was the longest wait
four seconds was the longest
---
Liars - The Overachivers
I bought a house with you
We settled down with cats
There wasn't much to do
So we just sat and watched the TV
And smoked weed
We drove a biocar
'Cos we all love the earth
It didn't get us far
And always sounded like a walrus
With ulcers
L! A!
L! A!
We surfed at Malibu
So we could see the stars
And when the sun fell off
We'd drive back slowly
to Topanga
L! A!
L! A!
Then once that wasn't enough
We gave up on our jobs
And bought back all our time
To spend it walking in the forest
L! A!
L! A!
HELP! ME!
HELP! ME!
L! A!
L! A!
I bought a house with you
We settled down with cats!
There wasn't much to do
So we just sat and watched the TV
---
X - Los Angeles
She had to leave
Los Angeles
All her toys wore out in black
And her boys had too
She started to hate every nigger and jew
Every mexican that gave her lotta shit
Every homosexual and the idle rich
She had to get out
To get out
To get out
To get out
To get out
She gets confused
Flying over the dateline
Her hands turn red
Cause the days change at night
Change in an instant
The days change at night
Change in an instant
She had to leave
Los Angeles
She found it hard to say goodbye to her own best friend
She bought a clock on Hollywood Blvd. the day she left
It felt sad
It felt sad
It felt sad
She had to get out
To get out
To get out
To get out
To get out
She gets confused
Flying over the dateline
Her hands turn red
Cause the days change at night
Change in an instant
The days change at night
Change in an instant
---
Art Brut - Moving to LA
There's not much glamour 'bout the English weather
There's nothing left keeping us together
Sunshine on a rainy day
Makes me want to move away
I think I've got it sorted
I'm gonna get myself deported
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
Hang around with Axl Rose
Buy myself some brand new clothes
Everything's gonna be just fine
I hear the murder rate is in decline
I'll do me some relaxing
Maybe grab a piece of action
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
When I get off the plane
The first thing I'm gonna do is
Strip naked to the waist
And ride my Harley Davidson
Up and down Sunset Strip
Hmm, I might even get a tattoo
My problems are never gonna find me
I'm not sending one letter or even a postcard back
I'm drinking Hennessy with Morrissey
On a beach out of reach somewhere very far away
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
I'm considering a move to L.A.
(He's considering a move to L.A.)
---
Rilo Kiley - Glendora
It's New Year's Eve, I'm in Glendora
I'm the only living person in Glendora
Heading east on the freeway
I left my prom dress on the bus-stop in Duarte
I switch the rules, you take advantage
You know I always like to play the victim
And would you fuck me? Because I'd fuck me
Am I your wetnap?
Freestyle walking
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I'm on my way, I want to see you
You're in your bedroom with some dancers underneath you
I come inside, I hear the door slam
You tell me if I really loved you I'd get with them
They make me sick, you make me sicker
But I want to please you so I go and I get with her
I close my eyes, I think about me
I'm just your wetnap
Freestyle walking
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I should find someone better for me
But Mom says we're born this way
Every time I come over to your house
You just shit on my face
And you know it, you know it
You know, you know it really freaks me out
I drove for hours on bad directions
I arrive, there's something you forgot to mention
An afterthought, straight to the tabby
"Sorry Angel, went to Reno," happy, happy
It ain't the rest, why do you Jenny?
I'm in a booth, it's almost twelve, your favorite Denny's
Another year, I need a sundae
I'm just your sidebet
Freestyle walking
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
I cry, cry, cry, then I complain
Come back for more, do it again
---
Brian Wilson - Southern California
I had this dream
Singing with my brothers
In harmony
Supporting each other
Tailwinds, rear spin,
Down the Pacific coast
Surfing on the end
Heard those voices again
Southern California
Dreams wake up for ya
And when you wake up here
You wake up everywhere
In the flow of the ocean
And the warmth of the rains
Heard music in the air
And in the waves
The wind chimes, not to rhyme,
We had nothing but time
In Southern California
I heard the voice of the line
Southern California
Dreams wake up for ya
And when you wake up here
You wake up everywhere
Whoa, whoa, whoa it's magical
Living a dream
Don't wanna sleep
You might miss something
Whoa, whoa, whoa, it's magical
I'm glad it happened to me
Nodded off in a bad dream,
Woke up in history
Surfers in the West
The sun ran into the sea
As we headed home
We drove into a movie
Love songs, pretty girls,
Didn't want it to end
Tried to slow down the motion
So it could move us again
Southern California
Dreams wake up for ya
And when you wake up here
You wake up everywhere
Southern, Cali, fornia...
(Whoa, whoa, whoa, it's magical)
Southern, Cali, fornia...
(Glad it happened to me)
Roll around in heaven all day,
Lucky old sun
Roll around in heaven all day,
Lucky old sun
Nothin' to do
Roll around in heaven
I'm workin' all day
Roll around in heaven
I roll around in heaven all day.
Roll. Roll.
Work. Work. A-workin' in the sun all day
Work. Work. A-workin' in the sun all day
---
Brian Wilson - California Role
You broke your hand
Punchin' the clock
So you could feel your heart
Took the Greyhound all the way
West to where the streets
Are paved with stars
It's never too late
To find your California Role.
The Hollywood sign burns
Through the smog,
And reawakens your dreams
Livin' under this sun,
Disappointment's
Not as bad as it seems
It's never too late
To find your California Role.
Every girl,
The next Marilyn
(Woo-ooh)
Every guy,
Errol Flynn
(Woo-ooh)
Sometimes
You've got to get
At your dreams,
And
Find the spotlight
Behind the scenes
Here in California
Man, I gotta warn ya
Find your California Role.
Ya don't have to climb
The Capitol Tower
Or play the Hollywood Bowl
If there's a roll
In your heart and a
Rock in your soul
If you miss your shot,
It doesn't mean
You won't reach your goal.
Don't drown your sorrows now,
Just take a dip
You can satisfy your thirst
With just one sip
If you missed the premiere
Cos you never arrived
The best part of this trip
Just might be the ride
Here in California,
Man I gotta warn ya
Find your California... Role.
---
Tom Waits - Goin' Out West
Well I'm goin' out west
Where the wind blows tall
'Cause Tony Franciosa
Used to date my ma
They got some money out there
They're giving it away
I'm gonna do what I want
And I'm gonna get paid
Do what I want
And I'm gonna get paid
Little brown sausages
Lying in the sand
I ain't no extra, baby
I'm a leading man
Well my parole officer
Will be proud of me
With my Olds 88
And the devil on a leash
My Olds 88
And the devil on a leash
Well I know karate, voodoo too
I'm gonna make myself available to you
I don't need no make up
I got real scars
I got hair on my chest
I look good without a shirt
Well I don't lose my composure
In a high speed chase
Well my friends think I'm ugly
I got a masculine face
I got some dragstrip courage
I can really drive a bed
I'm gonna change my name
To Hannibal or maybe
Just Rex
Change my name to Hannibal
Or may be just Rex
I'm gonna drive all night
Take some speed
I'm gonna wait for the sun
To shine down on me
I cut a hole in my roof
The shape of a heart
And I'm goin' out west
Where they'll appreciate me
Goin' out west
Goin' out west
---
The Rivieras - California Sun
Well, I'm goin' out west where I belong
Where the days are short and the nights are long
Where they walk and I'll walk
They twist and I'll twist
They shimmy and I'll shimmy
They fly and I'll fly
Well they're out there a'havin' fun
In that warm California sun.
Well, I'm goin' out west out on the coast
Where the California girls are really the most
Where they walk and I'll walk
They twist and I'll twist
They shimmy and I'll shimmy
They fly and I'll fly
Well they're out there a'havin' fun
In that warm California sun.
Well the girls are frisky in old 'Frisco
A pretty little chick wherever you go
A-a-and they'll walk and I'll walk
They'll twist and I'll twist
They'll shimmy and I'll shimmy
They'll fly and I'll fly
Well they're out there a'havin' fun
In that warm California sun
Yeah they're out there a'havin' fun
In that warm California sun
--- Josiah Wolf - Master Cleanse (California) Long showers, in these hours Standing naked, it's a good time to pray Shower head, lower case god Wash it all away California, what have you done to me? I'm waiting for the big one, then we can laugh about this debris Soft science, I have no alliance But I've been praying to learn how to pray It's in the eyes, but when you realize It quickly goes away California, what have you done to me? I'm waiting for the big one, then we can laugh about this debris ---
Wavves - California Goths
i'm getting high
to pass the time
no reason why
was my reply
when i die
the sun will always shine
i think i've lost my mind
he's looking out for you
when i die
---
The Beach Boys - California Girls
Well East coast girls are hip
I really dig those styles they wear
And the Southern girls with the way they talk
They knock me out when I'm down there
The Mid-West farmer's daughters really make you feel alright
And the Northern girls with the way they kiss
They keep their boyfriends warm at night
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California girls
The West coast has the sunshine
And the girls all get so tanned
I dig a french bikini on Hawaii island
Dolls by a palm tree in the sand
I been all around this great big world
And I seen all kinds of girls
Yeah, but I couldn't wait to get back in the states
Back to the cutest girls in the world
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California
I wish they all could be California girls
I wish they all could be California
(Girls, girls, girls yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California
(Girls, girls, girls yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California
(Girls, girls, girls yeah I dig the)
I wish they all could be California
---
Beulah - Gene Autry
A man named Gene's got a beautiful voice
He carries me home on his beautiful horse
And where she waits, I will ride ride ride
Come on stranger, just sing me a song
And if it's sad, I'll sing along-long-long,
I told you I knew every word
When I get to California
Gonna write my name in the sand
I'm gonna lay this body down
And watch the waves roll in
And when the city spreads out
Just like a cut vein
Everybody drowns, sad and lonely
Well everybody drowns, sad and lonely
Well everybody drowns, sad and lonely alright
Sweet sweet dreams, and color and sound
Highways in the faraway to be found
I saw gold mines, in the sky sky sky
They were clouds just waiting to cry
And with the wind
I'm dancing drift drift drift
In the shapes of the place that I miss
And when I get to California
Gonna write my name in the sand
I'm gonna lay this body down
And watch the waves roll in
I'm gonna rest this weary head
On someone who I think will care
But when the stars in the sky start fallin
I think you'll understand
That the city spreads out
Just like a cut vein
Everybody drowns, sad and lonely
Well everybody drowns, sad and lonely
Well everybody drowns, sad and lonely alright
Yeah I'm waiting
For something to give
Well I'm waiting
I hope it's not me
Yeah I'm waiting
For something to give
Yeah I'm waiting...
---
Joanna Newsom - In California
my heart became a drunken lung
on the day i sunk in this shunt
to tap me clean
of all the wonder
and the sorrow i have seen
since i left my home
my home on the old milk lake
where the darkness does fall so fast
it feels like some kind of mistake
just like they told you it would
just like they told you it would
when i came into my land
i did not understand
neither dry rot or the burn pile or the bark
beetle or the dry well
or the black ale
but there is another
who is a little older
when i broke my bone,
he carried me up from the riverside
to spend my life in spitting distance
of the love that i have known
i must stay here
in an endless evening tide
and if you come and see me
you'll upset the order
you cannot come and see me
for i set myself apart
but when you come and see me
in California
you cross the border of my heart
well, i have sown untidy furrows 'cross my soil
but i am still a coward
content to see my garden grow so sweet
and full of someone else's flowers
sometimes i can almost feel the power
sometimes i am so in love with you
like a little clock that trembles on the edge of the hour
only ever calling out "cuck-oo, hoo-oo, hoo-oo"
when i called you
you little one
in a bad way
did you love me?
do you spite me?
time will tell
if i can be well
and rise to meet you rightly
when moving across my land
brandishing themselves like a burning branch
advance the tallow-colored, wall-eyed deer
quiet as gondoliers
well, i wait all night for you in California
watching the fox pick off my goldfish
from their sorry, golden state
and i am no longer afraid of anything
save the life that here awaits
i don't belong to anyone
my heart is heavy as an oil drum
and i don't want to be alone
my heart is yellow as an ear of corn
and i have torn my soul apart
from pulling artlessly with (f..) commands
some nights i just never go to sleep at all
and i stand
shaking in the doorway like a sentinel, all alone
bracing like the bow upon a ship
and fully abandoning
any thought of anywhere but home
my home
sometimes i can almost feel the power
and i do love you
is it only timing that has made it such a dark hour
only ever chiming out "cuck-oo, hoo-oo, hoo-oo"
my heart
i wear you down
i know
gotta think straight
keep a clean plate
keep from wearing down
if i lose my hay
just where am i going to lay?
for it has half who need to be hanging around
you know Daphne blew out the big ground
i'm a native too, but i'm overgrown
i am sure my roots are near this
here down in California
---
Alkaline Trio - San Francisco
Choking on the thought of leaving,
Drinking to keep from sobbing
4pm, 4 dollar pints - SFO - the time and price.
With all my happiness aborted, the PA painfully starts boarding
I sink deep - 30 thousand feet into my window seat - electric chair
and I was drinking you goodbye
A heart floats in the bay
From sour home Chicago
I hear it beating far away
There's no telling what I'll do
If I don't return to you.
Hopeful thoughts of soon returning,
can't put out my stomach burning.
Plastic wings and plastic smiles
Unsalted peanuts stretch my miles.
Choking on the thought of leaving,
Drinking to keep from heaving
5pm 5 dollar pints - Hellbound Airlines - time and price.
and I was drinking you goodbye
A heart floats in the bay
From sour home Chicago
I hear it beating far away
There's no telling what I'll do
If I don't return to you.
I was drinking you goodbye
A heart floats in the bay
From sour home Chicago
I hear it beating far away
There's no telling what I'll do
If I don't return to you.
---
Eagles of Death Metal - San Berdoo Sunburn
Tapping time with one good finger
I got this girlfriend and she's a swinger
We make plans and then we head out to
San Bernardino
We get gas at the local P & M
Buy a coke in a can made of tin
We drink fast because
We're headed out west to San Bernardino
And we shall miss Carolina
And the east coast as opposed to the west
We won't shed any tears though
Nor even be sad because we know
The western desert is the best!
I filled a bag with cigarettes and apple wine
We'll hit the road again at 10 minutes to 9
Me and this girl I think she's pregnant
And we're headed to San Bernardino
And then when we hit Texas
We'll stop in Amarillo for a bite to eat
We'll stop on over in Dallas
And visit my friend but we can't stay
For more than a week
I've got the south in my veins
But California in my mouth
And that's the simple reason
Why i'm leaving the south
Me and this girl and she's so foxy
And we're heading to San Bernardino
Whoo
That was close we crossed the Tennesse state border
They would've locked us up by the sheriffs order
Yes we're freaks
But they can't touch us out west
In San Bernardino
---
Tupac Shakur - California Love
California love!
1-California...knows how to party
California...knows how to party
In the citaaay of L.A.
In the citaaay of good ol' Watts
In the citaaay, the city of Compton
We keep it rockin! We keep it rockin!
Now let me welcome everybody to the wild, wild west
A state that's untouchable like Elliot Ness
The track hits ya eardrum like a slug to ya chest
Pack a vest for your Jimmy in the city of sex
We in that sunshine state with a bomb ass hemp beat
the state where ya never find a dance floor empty
And pimps be on a mission for them greens
lean mean money-makin-machines servin fiends
I been in the game for ten years makin rap tunes
ever since honeys was wearin sassoon
Now it's '95 and they clock me and watch me
Diamonds shinin lookin like I robbed Liberace
It's all good, from Diego to tha Bay
Your city is tha bomb if your city makin pay
Throw up a finger if ya feel the same way
Dre puttin it down for
Californ-i-a
2-Shake it shake it baby
Shake it shake it baby
Shake it shake it mama
Shake it Cali
Shake it shake it baby
Shake it shake it shake it shake it...
Out on bail fresh outta jail
California dreamin
Soon as I stepped on the scene
I'm hearin hoochies screamin
Fiendin for money and alcohol
the life of a west side playa where cowards die
Only in Cali where we riot now rallies are live and die
In L.A. we wearin Chucks not Ballies (that's right)
Dressed in Locs and khaki suits and ride is what we do
Flossin but have caution we collide with other crews
Famous cause we program worldwide
Let'em recognize from Long beach to Rosecrans
Bumpin and grindin like a slow jam, it's west side
So you know the row won't bow down to no man
Say what you say
But give me that bomb beat from Dre
Let me serenade the streets of L.A.
From Oakland to Sactown
The Bay Area and back down
Cali is where they put they mack down
Give me love!
now make it shake...
uh, yeah, uh, long beach in tha house, uh yeah
Oaktown, Oakland definitely in tha house hahaha
Frisco, Frisco
hey, you know LA is up in this
Pasadena, where you at
yeah, Inglewood, Inglewood always up to no good
even Hollywood tryin to get a piece baby
Sacramento, Sacramento where ya at? yeah
Throw it up y'all, throw it up, Throw it up
Let's show these fools how we do this on that west side
Cause you and I know it's tha best side
yeah, That's riight
west coast, west coast
uh, California Love
California Love
---
The Beatles - Blue Jay Way
There's a fog upon L.A.
And my friends have lost their way
"We'll be over soon," they said
Now they've lost themselves instead.
Please don't be long, please don't you be very long
Please don't be long or I may be asleep
Well it only goes to show
And I told them where to go
Ask a policeman on the street
There's so many there to meet
Please don't be long, please don't you be very long
Please don't be long or I may be asleep
Now it's past my bed I know
And I'd really like to go
Soon it will be the break of day
Sitting here in Blue Jay Way
Please don't be long, please don't you be very long
Please don't be long or I may be asleep
Please don't be long, please don't you be very long
Please don't be long, please don't be long
Please don't you be very long
Please don't be long
Please don't be long
Please don't you be very long
Please don't be long
Don't be long, don't be long, don't be long
Don't be long, don't be long, don't be long
---
Vampire Weekend - California English
Wouldn't ever gag you with a spoon, my only true love
Never really heard you speak that way, it's unworthy of
Funny how that little college girl called language corrupt
Funny how the other private schools had no Hapa Club
Someone took a trip before you came to ski in the Alps
Your father moved across the country
Just to sunburn his scalp
Contra Costa, Contra Mundum, contradict what I say
Living like the French Connection, but we'll die in LA
Blasted from a disconnected light switch
Through the condo that they'll never finish
Bounced across a Saudi satellite dish
And through your brain to California English
No one sits inside a freezing flat and stays there 'til May
Leafing through a stack of A-Zs to surf the UK
Waiting with the wind against your face
And gel in your hair
Shivering in little undershirts, but don't seem to care
Blasted from a disconnected light switch
Through the condo that they'll never finish
Bounced across a Saudi satellite dish
And through your brain to California English
Sweet carob rice cake
She don't care how the sweets taste
Fake Philly cheese steak
But she use real toothpaste
Cuz if that Tom's don't work
If it just makes you worse
Would you loose all of you faith in the good Earth
And if it's all a curse
And we're just getting worse
Baby, please don't lose your faith in the good earth
Blasted from a disconnected light switch
Through the condo that they'll never finish
Bounced across a Saudi satellite dish
And through your brain to California English
---
Radiohead - Palo Alto
In a city of the future
It is difficult to concentrate
Meet the boss, meet the wife
Everybody's happy
Everyone is made for life
In a city of the future
It is difficult to find a space
I'm too busy to see you
You're too busy to wait
But I'm okay, how are you?
Thanks for asking, thanks for asking
But I'm okay, how are you?
I hope you're okay too
Everyone one of those days
When the sky's California blue
With a beautiful bombshell
I throw myself into my work
I'm too lazy, I've been kidding myself for so long
I'm okay, how are you?
Thanks for asking, thanks for asking
But I'm okay, how are you?
I hope you're okay too
---
Ozma - Los Angeles
each friday night
i've gotta moan
cause it's not right
to be alone
and i'm alone
and so i sleep
wake up at dawn
and leave before
the moon is gone
i know it's wrong
wr-o-o-ong
i've got to find some way out of here
jump on a plane and i disappear
maybe east of ohio
maybe that's where i ought to go
cause living here i've got so down
i guess that's why i've got to leave town
to find some place i haven't found
cause i know that you'll be there waiting
back, back, honey
take me back, baby
i want to stay in l.a.
back, back, baby
take me back, sugar
i want to stay
when i get home
the house is dark
the only sound
is joey's bark
been looking for another place a while
seen every town up in northern cal.
searching further every country mile
i saw new york and i like it's style
but still i've gotta say i love l.a.
i guess that's why i feel i've gotta stay
the hot streets and the summer nights
so lonely
i know it's sad but i love l.a.
it's even sadder that i'm here to stay
i might vacation on an isle away
but this is where i'll spend my dying day
so now it's time for me get me a wife
and live in town with her for all of my life
i'll understand when my hair turns grey
why i
i live
in l.a.
---
Tom Waits - San Diego Serenade
I never saw the morning 'til I stayed up all night
I never saw the sunshine 'til you turned out the light
I never saw my hometown until I stayed away too long
I never heard the melody, until I needed a song.
I never saw the white line, 'til I was leaving you behind
I never knew I needed you 'til I was caught up in a bind
I never spoke 'I love you' 'til I cursed you in vain,
I never felt my heartstrings until I nearly went insane.
I never saw the east coast 'til I move to the west
I never saw the moonlight until it shone off your breast
I never saw your heart 'til someone tried to steal, tried to steal it away
I never saw your tears until they rolled down your face.
---
Pavement - Two States
Two states
We want two states
North and south
Two, two states
40 Million Daggers (x4)
Two states
We want two states
There's no culture
There's no spies
40 million daggers
---
Frank Zappa - Valley Girl
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Okay, fine...
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
In a clothing store
Okay, fine...
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
In a clothing store
Like, OH MY GOD! (Valley Girl)
Like-TOTALLY (Valley Girl)
Enchino is like SO BITCHEN (Valley Girl)
There's like the Galleria (Valley Girl)
And like all these like really great shoe stores
I love going into like clothing stores and stuff
I like buy the neatest mini-skirts and stufl
It's like so BITCHEN cuz like everybody's like
Super-super nice...
It's like so BITCHEN..,
On Ventura, there she goes
She just bought some bitchen clothes
Tosses her head 'n flips her hair
She got a whole bunch of nothin' in there
Anyway, he goes are you into S and M?
I go, oh RIGHT...
Could you like just picture me in like a LEATHER TEDDY
Yeah right, HURT ME. HURT ME...
I'm sure! NO WAY'
He was like freaking me out...
He called me a BEASTIE...
That's cuz like he was totally BLITZED
He goes like BAG YOUR FACE'
I'm sure!
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Okay. fine...
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
So sweet 'n pure
Okay, fine...
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
So sweet'n pure
It's really sad (Valley Girl)
Like my English teacher
He's like... (Valley Girl)
He's like Mr. BU-FU (Valley Girl)
We're talking Lord God King BU-FU (Valley Girl)
I am SO SURE
He's like so GROSS
He like sits there and like plays with all his rings
And he like flirts with all the guys in the class
It's like totally disgusting
I'm like so sure
It's like BARF ME OUT...
Gag me with a spoon!
Last idea to cross her mind
Had something to do with where to find
A pair of jeans to fit her butt
And where to get her toenails cut
So like I go into this like salon place, y'know
And I wanted like to get my toenails done
And the lady like goes., oh my God, your toenails
Are like so GRODY
It was like really embarrassing
She's like OH MY GOD, like BAG THOSE TOENAILS
I'm like sure...
She goes, uh, I don't know if I can handle this, y'know.
I was like really embarrassed...
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Valley Girl
She's a Valley Girl
Okay, fine
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
And there is no cure
Okay, fine
Fer sure, fer sure
She's a Valley Girl
And there is no cure
Like my mother is like a total space cadet (Valley Girl)
She like makes me do the dishes and (Valley Girl)
CLEAN the cat box (Valley Girl)
I am sure
That's like GROSS (Valley Girl)
BARF OUT' (Valley Girl)
OH MY GOD (Valley Girl
Hi!
Uh-huh... (Valley Girl)
My name?
My name is Ondrya Wolfson (Valley Girl)
Uh-huh
That's right, Ondrya (Valley Girl)
Uh-huh .
I know (Valley Girl)
It's like ...
I do not talk funny ...
I'm sure (Valley Girl)
Whatsa matter with the way I talk? (Valley Girl)
I am a VAL, I know
But I live in like in a really good part of Encino so it's okay (Valley Girl)
So like, I don't know
I'm like freaking out totally
Oh my God!
Hi - I have to go to the orthodontist
I'm getting my braces off, y'know
But I have to wear a retainer
That's going to be really like a total bummer
I'm freaking out
I'm SURE
Like those things that like stick in your mouth
They're so gross ..
You like get saliva all over them
But like, I don't know, it's going to be cool, ya know
So you can see my smile
It'll be like really cool
Except my like my teeth are like too small
But NO BIGGIE. .
It's so AWESOME
It's like TUBULAR, y'know
Well, I'm not like really ugly or anything
It's just like
I don't know
You know me, I'm like into like the clean stuff
Like, MAN and like, I don't know
Like my mother like makes me do the dishes
It's like so GROSS...
Like all the stuff like sticks to the plates
And its like, it's like somebody e/ses food, y'know
It's like GRODY...
GRODY TO THE MAX
I'm sure
It's like really nauseating
Like BARF OUT
GAG ME WITH A SPOON
GROSS
I am SURE
TOTALLY .