California Head Fake

so prophetic misunderstood
you still ignore it and maybe you should
we heard the ticking but never agreed
on what was coming or what it might mean

Her eyes don’t make me sad
My memories are lost
But I recall the tune
And how I made it stop

Hair and feathers claws and teeth
Felt familiar but still incomplete
Just as the laughter was once applause
The consequence would one day be the cause

The words don’t sting like this
We’ll never wring them out
I don’t remember why
Did we have time to count


California, California, California


When you left it you didn’t think you’d care
You can’t go home now ‘cause home isn’t there
A baby’s first steps could lead the way
But I never knew you and I have no one to blame

It’s your promised land
but it’s more complex for me
I left betrayed
and returned an enemy

We got up early to pay our dues
They took the payments and blocked our view
So we just listened until you grew
Then you could see it but I couldn’t see you

You twist all the knobs
But it still sounds like pride
The best will have to do
All the other lies



California, California, California



We buried grandma where victory bends
You should’ve been there no help again
Change direction but never move ahead
Change excuses and they’ll get you in the end

Every light goes out
But they come back on
You always wanted in
But you never had a song


Looks refreshing but it’s not how it seems
Looks like water but it’s gasoline
The disappointment the empty rows
Gain the world and lose your soul

Used or being used
To lead or lead astray
The words that help you out
It’s what you meant to say

California, California, California

California, California, California