California Dreamin'
by Michael Romani

Still pictures form in my mind and remind me
Of how much California is like living poetry

Tip to tip in every trip a driven fascination
It's a macrocosm at every turn of Californication

Us dreamers, we board that star-bound bus
Thinking we'll stars, each and every one of us

Buttered popcorn served at matinee prices
Marilyn Monroe offers her heartbreak and advises

That no matter the masks we sell our souls to wear
As we buy into this dream, we had better just beware

Oh, I think we know, that we gotta, gotta keep it real
We have to keep in touch in between the plastic deals

Keeping our eyes on to be alert to the old town square
Where true love meets movie scenes we really need to care

The tarnished skies of Hollywood can keep us getting wet
Or, the healing waters can offer the real life we forget

Songs of the mariachi play on into our nights
Street cars of desire bring the old to new heights

As you and I find some time to relax and grab a drink
Dreaming on yesterday and tomorrow, we stop and think

Through the traditional gates of dragon's fire 
We walk the streets of China Town burned on funeral's pyre

Hopping into an old convertible we cruise Highway One
Reaching the boardwalk of Santa Cruz underneath the sun

Focused together on our love, our peace and happiness
Our inner children play hard at helping us find our bliss

The Pacific Coast Highway slips us back down to Malibu
Where we sing, dance and laugh before our day is through