California On My Mind (1976)
A slow ballad about being sad to leave California.
Story behind the song
I travelled by myself from Canada to California, when I was 18 years old...just me and my VW, sleeping in the back seat. I came home and wrote this song. For 32 years afterward, it was the only song I had ever written!
Lyrics
CALIFORNIA ON MY MIND by Mike Pilling (1976)
When I think of the swaying palm trees
When I think of the setting sun
Since I left the place it feels my life is over
When it’s only really just begun
[CH]
And I’ve got California on my mind
California on the brain
Lazy days on the beach
Now I swear each and every day’s like pourin rain
Cause I’ve got California on my mind
Now I’m the kind that don’t appreciate
The things I love till they’re gone
People say boy you’ll never learn
But someday I’m gonna return
[CH]
[GUITAR SOLO]
[CH 2X and fade]
