Took off in San Francisco
Hitching up 101
Ended up on a flat bed Chevy
Breaking at the setting sun
Slept all night in the cold, Lord
Thought I'd nearly freeze alive
'Cause all I had was a US flag
Dated nineteen forty-five

On the California coastline
Trying to have myself a good time
On the California coastline
Trying to have myself a good time

Got loose from jail in three days
Sheriff didn't like my face
(Maybe I'll head) for Utah
Flung off the human race
And if I live to be a hundred
Ain't never going back again
Couldn't think of a colder place to visit
(Or an easier place to sin)

On the California coastline
Trying to have myself a good time
On the California coastline
Trying to have myself a good time

Off for the north of nowhere
Somewhere west of everybody else
I'm off for the north of nowhere
Somewhere west of everybody else

On the California coastline
Trying to have myself a good time
On the California coastline
Trying to have myself a good time