I was born in New York City
And I grew up like the rest
My feet were on the city streets
My mind lay on the west

In the movies and the music
Soon a dream began to grow
It wasn't long before I had to go
Californ-ya Californ'-ya called my name
And bade me come to you

Californ-ya Californ'
Your golden coast and Pacific Blue
Yeah for awhile you made my dreams come true
How I miss you, sweet Pomona
Where my journey came to end
You took me in your summer arms
And held me like a friend
And the moonlight on the ocean
Down in Venice by the sea
How often now in dreams you come to me

Californ-ya Californ'
Your golden coast and Pacific Blue
Yeah for awhile you made my dreams come true
Californ-ya Californ'-ya called my name
And bade me come to you

Californ-ya Californ'
Ya stole my heart
And left me lost in you
Ah but for awhile you made my dreams come true