She lived at the end of a little dirt road
In a house where secrets go untold
Barefoot in a cotton dress
Dark hair in a tangled mess
And a head full of crazy dreams
She said

I’m goin’ to California
A place where the sun always shines
I’m goin’ to California
And I’m leavin’ everything behind

You can’t help but feel a little bit touched
When your daddy loves you a little too much
You can wish on four leaf clovers
But all the fields have been plowed over
And there’s nothin’ left to do but fly away
She said

I’m goin’ to California
A place where the sun always shines
I’m goin’ to California
And I’m leavin’ everything behind

Stars burn like candles on that two-lane highway
She made her wish, and disappeared on her 18th birthday
And she said

I’m goin’ to California
A place where the sun always shines
I’m goin’ to California
And I’m leavin’ everything behind

I’m goin’ to California
And I’m leavin’ everything behind

Oh California
I’m goin’ to California
Oh California
Leavin’ it all behind
California