California
View chords used in this chart
E A F#
Sitting in a park in Paris France reading the news and it sure looks bad
B E
They won't give peace a chance, that was just a dream some of us had
E A F#
Stole a lot of lines to sing but I wouldn't want to stay here
B A
It's too old and cold and settled in its ways here
A (Asus4) E C#
Ah but California, California I'm coming home
A E B
I'm gonna see the folks I dig, I'll even kiss a sunset pig
Bsus4 E
California I'm coming home
E E/A E Esus4 E Esus4 E
E A F#
I met a redneck on a Grecian isle, we did the goat dance very well
B E
He gave me back my smile but he kept my camera to sell
E A F#
Oh the rogue, the red red rogue, he cooked good omelettes and stews
B A
And I might have stayed on with him there, but my heart cried out for you
A (Asus4) E C#
California, Oh California I'm coming home
A E B
Oh make me feel good rock and roll band, I'm your biggest fan
Bsus4 E
California I'm coming home RIFF
Bridge:
E F# A E B
Oh it gets so lonely When you're walking and the streets are full of strangers
F# A B D
All the news of home you read just give you the blues
B Bsus4 A Asus4 A B E like intro Esus4 E Esus4 E
Just give you the blues
E A F#
So I bought me a ticket I caught a plane to Spain
B E
Went to a party down a red dirt road
E A F#
There were lots of pretty people there, reading Rolling Stone reading Vogue
B A
They said how long can you hang around, I said a week maybe two
Just until my skin turns brown and then I'm going home
A (Asus4) E C#
To California, California, I'm coming home
A E B
Oh, will you take me as I am, strung out on another man
Bsus4 E
California I'm coming home RIFF
BRIDGE #2:
E F# A E B
Oh it gets so lonely when you're walking and the streets are full of strangers
F# A E B
All the news of home you read, more about the war and the bloody changes
F# A E
Oh will you take me as I am, will you take me as I am
B F# A
Will you, will you take me as I am
E B F# A E B
How to play California
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is E. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.