Gershwin Prize

(wistful music) Sitting in a park in Paris, France Reading the news and it's all bad They didn't wanna give peace a chance That's a dream someone had Still a lot of lands to see But I wouldn't wanna stay here, no, no It's too old and cold and settled in its ways here California My California, I'm a-coming home Gonna see the folks I dig Might even kiss a sunset pig California, I'm coming home (wistful music) So I bought me a ticket on a plane to Spain Went to a party down a red dirt road Lots of pretty people down there Reading "Rolling Stone," reading "Vogue" How long can you hang around A week, maybe two 'til my skin turns brown Then I'm coming home to you California California, I'm a-coming home Make me feel good, rock and roll band I'm your biggest fan California, I'm coming home (wistful music) Well, it gets so lonely When you're walking and the streets are full of strangers All the news of home you read Just give you the blues Gonna give you the blues (wistful music) I met a redneck on a Grecian isle He did the goat dance very well I guess he gave me back my smile But he kept my camera to sell Oh, the rogue, the red, red rogue He cooked good omelets and stews And I might've stayed on with him But my heart cried out for you California California, oh, I'm coming home Will you take me as I am Strung out on another man California, I'm coming home (wistful music) Oh, it gets so lonely When you're walking and the streets are full of strangers All the news of home you read More about the war and the bloody changes Will you take me as I am Will you take me as I am Will you, will you take me as I am Oh (wistful music) (audience cheering)