I stretched myself across four states
New lands, west coast, where my dreams lay
I trade amber clay roads for the
Sea foam and the endless sun rays
‘Cause I was never told that I wasn’t gonna get
The things I want the most
But people always say, “If it hasn’t happened yet
Then maybe you should go”
Come get me out of California
No leaves are brown
I miss the seasons in Missouri
My dying town
Thought I’d be cool in California
I’d make you proud
To think I almost had it going
But I let you down
Too hard, to find reasons to stay
Even true love could not persuade
‘Cause I was never told that I wasn’t gonna get
The things I want the most
But people always say, “If it hasn’t happened yet
Then maybe you should go”
Come get me out of California
No leaves are brown
I miss the seasons in Missouri
My dying town
Thought I’d be cool in California
I’d make you proud
To think I almost had it going
But I let you down
Come get me out
Come get me out
Come get me out
Come get me out
Come get me out of California
No leaves are brown
I miss the seasons in Missouri
My dying town
Thought I’d be cool in California
I’d make you proud
To think I almost had it going
But I let you down
Yearning for Home: Navigating Dreams and Disappointment
In “California,” Chappell Roan crafts a poignant narrative about chasing dreams on the West Coast and grappling with the unexpected ache of homesickness. The lyrics paint vivid images of trading the familiar landscapes of Missouri for the promise of California’s endless sun, only to find that the anticipated fulfillment is elusive. Roan’s heartfelt reflections explore the pressure to succeed and the loneliness that can accompany big ambitions. The recurring plea to be “gotten out of California” underscores a deep longing for belonging and the comfort of home, highlighting how the pursuit of personal growth sometimes comes with bittersweet sacrifices.
Song Credits
- Artist: Chappell Roan
- Songwriters: Chappell Roan, Daniel Nigro
- Release Year: 2024
- Label: Island Records