V1

When I was a child, I loved my state

There were plenty of places to roam

Open fields, full of oranges and dates

California is always my home



V2

I'd rollerblade along the boardwalk

And listen to the seals sing their tunes

I had plenty of time for small talk

Days in the sun and long afternoons



Chorus

There is a cool rhythm and a gentle sway

From the sounds of the beat that fills the air

Warm breezes blow and soft mists gently spray

From the oceanfront that is ever near

Those are the memories from back in the day

No stopping the future, it's already here



V3

In time, lots of people came to live here

Valleys grew into high tech business

It became the land of engineers

Many orchards are gone and seen much less



Prechorus

It's a long time ago, but I still care



Chorus

There is a cool rhythm and a gentle sway

From the sounds of the beat that fills the air

Warm breezes blow and soft mists gently spray

From the oceanfront that is ever near

Those are the memories from back in the day

No stopping the future, it's already here



Bridge

Thinking back, thinking back, thinking back, thinking back



V4

That's the California I recall

It's still there underneath the chaos

Looking beyond the urban sprawl

I don't focus on the hype and gloss



Outro

Thinking back, thinking back