California in Popular Song

So love, you've had about enough

Of leaning into the winter wind

Eyes down and collar up

While leaves from European trees

Lie shin-deep in the gutters

Down these cold and golden streets

It’s time you left this town behind

And though you promised not to cry when you said goodbye

Your eyes are bright with wine

And oh, so are mine

But I think it only fair to warn you

All those songs about California lied

The stars won’t shine tonight

It isn’t going to be alright

Oh dear – you’ve had it up to here

But if those dark clouds reach to the empty beach

Well at least the coast is clear

And so, before you turn to go

A few hopeful words from some vacuous verse

You remember from the radio

Well, maybe so