PicLyrics

PARADISE IS CALIFORNIA
LYRICS

1. Paradise is California
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Many went west seeking the paradise legend said
Was rugged and full of treasure
Guarded by flying beasts, bursting with food, drink
And girls hot beyond that measure
"I found it!" Cortés thought
On an island where Drake met the Coast Miwok

I seen Texas, other States
All of them are great
But a paradise is California
(Tell me what you heard. Tell me, tell me what you heard)
A paradise is California

It has glaciers, volcanoes, deserts
Alpine slopes, rapids rip its wilderness
Ruby fruit, sapphire water, pearls
Silver border, diamonds, emerald forests
Wine drenched hills, lodes of gold
Rivers and valleys feed the world

I seen Texas other states
All of them are great
But a paradise is California
(I know how it is, I tell it how is)
A paradise is California

(Check it out)
Tahoe and Ahwahnee seem like fantasies
The coast and beaches wet dreams
[INSTRUMENTAL]

A paradise is California
(California Dream, it's unreal)
A paradise is California

Girls there run and swim fast
Jump high, flip, twist, and dance
Star, surf monster waves
Ride beasts that guard their Golden State
Do the mom thing
Chain themselves to redwoods for days
They welcome your heart and cash
Just be cool and pack out all your trash

I seen Texas, other states
All of them are great
But a paradise is California
(Hey, hey all you haters)

Despite the jokes about fruits and nuts
La la land and falling off in the ocean
A paradise is California
(Gonzo Lake to a Salty Sea)
A paradise is California
(Delta down the deep Great Valley)
A paradise is California
(Mammo Mount to Catalina Island)
A paradise is California
(Monner Bay, Sequoiyay)
A paradise is California
(And them fine Cali girls)
A paradise is California
Copyright 2003 by Aaron Nicholson

2. Now and Forever After
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Don’t cry Angel, I do love you
I’m not leaving, I’m not lying, it’s true
When you kiss me, wrap me in your loving arms
It's a Southern Cross to me, a North Star
Now I’m lost in your tears, give me a clue
Talk to me, baby, guide me back through

Because you, I want to have and hold
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]

Why are you upset by what I said in my sleep?
Calm down! Listen, I been having this dream
When the dog howls I take my people past
Ice, rock, clouds, to a dark land
Our ships get smashed as we're going in
We get jumped, win it all, rebuild there dark land

Because you, I want to have and hold
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]

I fill our land with lakes and trees
Powdered mountains, fish and grazing things
Rivers pool below falls’ mist and splash
Warm oceans curl to and from sun kissed sand

The days thrill you, so exciting
The food delights you, healthy and great tasting
There’s shops, jewels, fashion, all your fantasies
Dance in the light of our own
Sin City “Mmm, mmm, mmm”
[INSTRUMENTAL]

We live together there, forever after
Making out, on adventures, and at fiestas
Because you, I want to have and hold
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]

So wipe your tears babe
Don't drown your pretty eyes
I dreamed it's always you and me
Not I'm gonna fly
Because you, I want to have and hold
[INSTRUMENTAL]
My precious you, I want to have and hold
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Amore mio tu, I want to have and hold
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Now and forever after
[INSTRUMENTAL]
NOW AND FOREVER AFTER Copyright 2010 by Aaron Nicholson

3. It’s Thanksgiving
[INSTRUMENTAL]
When Tatanka was free to roam
This land now home to clans from ‘round the globe
Some of us held Nowatequa for beans, corn and squash
Others celebrated Kelek for king crab and jumbo shrimp
Many surfed to Makahiki for bananas and sugar cane

It’s Thanksgiving, everyone get together with ones you love
It’s Thanksgiving, everyone remember our good fortune
It’s Thanksgiving, everyone enjoy the feast and celebration
It's Thanksgiving, everyone get together, give thanks and have fun

More immigrants arrived that fall a year later half were gone
The rest enjoyed a huge potlach with Massasoit and Tisquantum
13 nations gathered after Saratoga. The North and South remembered family

My People, listen up. Freedom lets us pursue happiness
Justice upholds all our rights
United and individually we are why they survive
Disasters will come and days of infamy
But we will triumph when united, just, and free
[INSTRUMENTAL]

Sparkling cider, walnuts, strawberries
Wine, salad, bread, and honey
Potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and rice
Eggnog, ice cream, pumpkin pie
From the heavens into Mother's warmth
We have so much to be thankful for
Get together, give thanks and party
Enjoy the fruits of our great countries

It's Thanksgiving everyone, get together, give thanks and have fun

United just and free my people
Live it, demand it, protect it
Copyright 2005 by Aaron Nicholson

4. You Make Me Want
[INSTRUMENTAL]
You filled my sails when you touched me
Before you I rowed time's endless sea
I searched the islands of life
Restless ‘til I heard your sweet, "Hi"
Your beautiful smile lit up my way
Your soft lips soothed my pain

You make me want to come back to your town
You make me want to take and keep you around

That day vivid memories
Wave after wave, swept me away
I saw my search from start into your lovely eyes
A girl like you was its end I realized
Are you for real, a gold digging mirage
Or siren to vanish on the rocks?
[INSTRUMENTAL]

You make me want to come back to your town
You make me want to take and keep you around

I did what I did to find out
If what happened was real beyond doubt
I had to know if my feelings were true
I had to know if you felt my way to
The tide rolls on, what’s done is done
Sail with me, our journeys one

We'll follow the stars in our eyes
Through adventure to the treasures in life
[INSTRUMENTAL]

You make me want to come back to your town
You make me want to take and keep you around
Copyright 2000 by Aaron Nicholson

5. Far Away from Home
[INSTRUMENTAL]
North of Cam Lo at the Washout
Paul Foster rechecked his map and comm
Three moons before the fight for Khe Sahn
Frog and cricket stopped making sound
Heart pounding, Paul sensed
Trouble where he’d been sent

Fighting one people for another people’s road
Far away, far away from home
Carrying someone else’s load
Far away, far away from home

Boom, Boom, Boom
Darkness was ripped back
By explosions and choking gas
Silhouettes crashed through the wire
The night writhed in streams of fire
Shapes yelled, fell, and merged
Paul Foster was injured

Fighting one people for another people’s road
Far away, far away from home
Carrying someone else’s load
Far away, far away from home

He called the big guns down on top
As blade and e-tool hit them spots
From the shadows, a small package flew in
Six lives neared an end
Surrounded, no refuge, no chance
Until Paul Foster took the blast

Fighting one people for another people’s road
Far away, far away from home
Carrying someone else’s load
Far away, far away from home
[INSTRUMENTAL]

Paul Foster didn’t run or hide
Paul Foster chose to answer the cry
For life and freedom
Far away, far away from home

Paul was key to winning this fight
Five and more surviving the night
Our boys geared up and carried on
Paul was carried home to California
Others got to live their life
Because Paul Foster sacrificed
[INSTRUMENTAL]

Fighting one people for another people’s road
Far away, far away from home
Carrying someone else’s load
Far away, far away from home
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Copyright 2004 by Aaron Nicholson

6. I’m the One
[INSTRUMENTAL]
You’re scared and confused
Not sure what ya gonna do
Your friends and family shake their heads and say
We won't make it, ain't no way
Other dudes are calling on you
The other night I thought we were through
Then you crashed my residence
Woke me up to resume relations
Flower spreads for Bee, River slides into Sea
Once our paths crossed we were meant to be

I’m the one you need in your heart, mind and body
Your body, I’m the one, I’m the one
I’m the one you want to fill you
Yeah I’m the one for you

You’re that, I’m this
It's nothing but opinions and gossip
Love isn't what others say
Good times and bad it's the choice we make
Scorching days or freezing dark
Redwoods rise thick and hard
Mountains swell to lovely peaks touched slow and patiently
No relative, friend, or posse
Stopped Zee and Jesse James' love, Frank and Annie's

I’m the one you need in your heart, mind and body
Your body, I’m the one, I’m the one
I’m the one you want to fill you
Yeah I’m the one for you

No matter what you do some won't agree
Some prefer a suit others leather and jeans
You might as well explore what you're feeling
To find out if it's real or lesson learned, time to leave
[INSTRUMENTAL]

You can do what you're told
Ignore your heart, crush your soul
Or move with the love we have
Ride the passion, guide its path
Falls plunge and splash
Surrounded by damp soft grass
Beaches warm and glow
As a sun strokes their wet sand
Streams slip in, rock, delight embraced by
Smooth, tight wrapped banks

I’m the one you need in your heart, mind and body
Your body, I’m the one, I’m the one
I’m the one you want to fill you
Yeah I’m the one for you
[INSTRUMENTAL]

I'm the one you need
I'm the one you need
I'm the one you need
In your heart, mind, and body
Your body
I'm the one, I'm the one
I'm the one you want to fill you
Yeah, I'm the one for you
I'm the one for you
Oh, I'm the one for you
I'm the one for you
Yes, I'm the one for you
I'M THE ONE Copyright 2010 by Aaron Nicholson

7. Outlaws and Pirates
[INSTRUMENTAL]
'Round 1812 a proud bunch dubbed Mistress of the Sea
Pinched our trade and merchant marine
These dramatic dudes upset over Yorktown, VA
Blasted Chesapeake and set up blockades
Their parliament called us rebels, outlaws, pirates
Their subjects stirred trouble up against us out west
We told our reps get our president busy
Crush them, their fou fou ojo bicho king

Outlaws and pirates, outlaws and pirates
Pompous dandies pinched, outlaws and pirates
Outlaws and pirates, outlaws and pirates
Pompous dandies got crushed by outlaws and pirates

We gave up Chicago without a fight
And still got bushwhacked after walking outside
Our performance at Detroit wasn't much better
Conned by a sales pitch and rigged letter
Essex kicked fantail on two seas
Then was smashed by weather, Cherub, and Phoebe
We won but lost at the Bladensburg Race
Dolly grabbed George, D.C. was in flames

Outlaws and pirates, outlaws and pirates
Pompous dandies pinched outlaws and pirates
Outlaws and pirates, outlaws and pirates
Pompous dandies got crushed by outlaws and pirates

(Lundy's Lane was brutal, grizzled veterans agreed
Our boys fought the fiercest they had ever seen
The Chippewa River was unable to soothe
The coats of red that fled our relentless pursuit
Niagara, and Lawrence to took the lower Great Lake
Saratoga rope-a-doped to win the Lake Champlain campaign
Amelia, Caroline, Surprise, Scourge, Rattlesnake
Yankee, Atlas, and Comet grabbed all the booty they could take)
[INSTRUMENTAL]

Outlaws and pirates, outlaws and pirates
Pompous dandies pinched, outlaws and pirates
Outlaws and pirates, outlaws and pirates
Pompous dandies got crushed by outlaws and pirates

Kentucky horse militia swept Canada's Thames
In honor of the Raisin's many slain
Old Ironsides rose from a warrior's grave
Macedonian lost a bet to United States
Harpy vexed opponents with America
General Armstrong drew N'Orleans a royal flush
Creoles, Choctaw, and Tennessee protected Big Easy
Our Star Spangled Banner waved defiantly

Outlaws and pirates, outlaws and pirates
Pompous dandies pinched, outlaws and pirates
Outlaws and pirates, outlaws and pirates
Pompous dandies got crushed by outlaws and pirates
[INSTRUMENTAL]

Outlaws and pirates, outlaws and pirates
Pompous dandies pinched, outlaws and pirates
Outlaws and pirates, outlaws and pirates
Pompous dandies got crushed by outlaws and pirates
Pompous dandies got crushed by outlaws and pirates
OUTLAWS AND PIRATES Copyright 2010 by Aaron Nicholson

8. Pleasure
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Many, many of us worked and saved to leave
Not much for stunning clothes and jewelry
Dead legs and feet for awesome transportation
Rent for buying homes and raising children
It’s easy to quit, change, hope for scraps
The whim of another’s hand
But serve yourself, your own desire
Has brought the most pleasure
Has brought the most pleasure

Takes a supernova to form gold
Diamonds form under volcanoes
Both are a chore to find or own
It takes some work to gain that kind of pleasure
It takes some work to gain that kind of pleasure

Compelled to serve rulers redistribute what they make
Millions left their borders for our united States
Where their dream they serve for their happiness they earn
Our ladies shop and shop. (Mmm what pleasure)

(Bee serves another, has to give up its honey)
(Dolphin serves its pleasure, all its catch goes in its tummy)
Two ways a choice, one existence from our Maker
(Driven for another's or free to serve your pleasure)
(Driven for another's or free to serve your pleasure)
[INSTRUMENTAL]

Takes a supernova to form gold
Diamonds form under volcanoes
Both are a chore to find or own
It takes some work to gain that kind of pleasure
It takes some work to gain that kind of pleasure

As I'm shuffling through the sands of time
I want to do well, be satisfied
Folks I know plan and wish for nice things
So they work jobs, a biz, save some money
The more we make, the more we keep
The more we can buy, help those in need
Government exists to keep our rights secure
So we can earn and enjoy what gives us pleasure
So we can earn and enjoy what gives us pleasure

Takes a supernova to form gold
Diamonds form under volcanoes
Both are a chore to find or own
It takes some work to gain that kind of pleasure
It takes some work to gain that kind of pleasure
[INSTRUMENTAL]
It takes some work to gain that kind of pleasure
[INSTRUMENTAL]
It takes some work to gain that kind of pleasure
[INSTRUMENTAL]
It takes some work to gain that kind of pleasure
It takes some work to gain that kind of pleasure
PLEASURE Copyright 2010 by Aaron Nicholson

9. Jungle’s Wild Side
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Cricket chirped up high, Frog croaked down low
Drums beat the line in Jungle’s night time show
One hot evening far away, long ago
Boy and girl were mixing when he spoke
Come with me on a ride, on Jungle’s wild side
Come with me on a ride, on Jungle’s wild side

She talked, she giggled, she moved near
Eyes glowed and blinked, dipped and disappeared
Drove in deep, bounced around a tree
When they rolled to an end, their hearts beat and beat
Boy took Girl on a ride, on Jungle's wild side
Boy took Girl on a ride, on Jungle's wild side
[INSTRUMENTAL]

She couldn’t see a thing, slid up and down by feel
Witch Bird whoo’ed, Bat squeaked, branches creaked
Boy said something, Girl let out a scream
Feelings going crazy, it was a wild scene
Girl bumped, bumped on a ride, on Jungle's wild side
Girl bumped, bumped on a ride, on Jungle's wild side
[INSTRUMENTAL]

Rain began to fall, soft then harder
Pounded Leopard, Croc, Snake, and Spider
Sounded like gravel dumped on a wooden tray
Drenched Girl and Boy, slow, made their way
Both crossed Monkey Bridge on a ride, on Jungle's wild side
Both crossed Monkey Bridge on a ride, on Jungle's wild side

Back on this side he was asked, "Where you been?!”
"Out on a ride." She smiled, all but two turned in
Girl whispered and breathed, Boy was busy
Softly Softly their night, turned into distant dreams
Together on a ride, on Jungle's wild side
Together on a ride, on Jungle's wild side
[INSTRUMENTAL]

Softly Softly their night, turned into distant dreams
Together on a ride, on Jungle's wild side
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Together on a ride, on Jungle's wild side
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Together on a ride, on Jungle's wild side
Jungle's wild side
[INSTRUMENTAL]
JUNGLE’S WILD SIDE Copyright 2005 by Aaron Nicholson

10. You Make Me Want (Saxy)
[INSTRUMENTAL]

11. Make a Difference
[INSTRUMENTAL]
Two months after Hue’s recapture
James Livingston watched some bridge
When our people got stuck near Dai Do
He left behind the peace and quiet
Hit twice that day, he led the way
Tommy gun blazin' hot lead
James helped our people fight through that mess
Did what he could to make a difference

James Livingston could have skated at some bridge
James Livingston could have quit when he got hit
James Livingston could have lay low, hid, and slid
James Livingston chose to make a difference

Low on rounds our boys got down
At Dai Do and dug in
But trouble had begun, it wasn't fun
At Dihn To, everyone was grim
So James left cover, led The Few over
In close and desperate
They clawed a rescue, inch by inch
Did what it took to make a difference

(Aah Aah Aah Snug as a stud among the Georgia peaches
James Livingston could have stayed
But while we live the dream, sleep peacefully
A few choose to keep the bogeyman at bay)
[INSTRUMENTAL]

James Livingston could have skated at some bridge
James Livingston could have quit when he got hit
James Livingston could have lay low, hid, and slid
James Livingston chose to make a difference

James run ended when a HM gun nailed him, he fell
A mess, leg useless James yelled, “Leave me, save yourself!”
Our boys, somehow, dragged him out, pulled a win out of that hell
His wife and kids got big hugs from him
'Cause some chose to make a difference

James Livingston could have skated at some bridge
James Livingston could have quit when he got hit
James Livingston could have lay low, hid, and slid
James Livingston chose to make a difference
[INSTRUMENTAL]
James Livingston chose, yes he chose, to make a difference
[INSTRUMENTAL]
(James Livingston chose, yes he chose, yes he chose to make a difference)
[INSTRUMENTAL]
(James Livingston chose to make a difference)
[INSTRUMENTAL]
(James Livingston chose to make that difference)
[INSTRUMENTAL]
James Livingston chose to make a difference
[INSTRUMENTAL]
MAKE A DIFFERENCE Copyright 2006 by Aaron Nicholson

12. Star Spangled Banner
[INSTRUMENTAL]
After freedom was ours tyrants schemed and swore
Stirred up another war, more pain and destruction
To crush and rule us again, from mountain top to sea shore
Many sacrificed to cleanse our land of those tyrants' despotic pollution
Make their red legions about face, striper, brass, and slave
And fade away in heeling ships or the grave

Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Detained on a mission offshore, Francis Scott Key
Saw the sight seen round the world, it thrilled him heart and soul
O’er the line of ships that held, the other breaking up to leave
O’er the blasted end run trail, loved ones silent still and cold
In the new day dawning, mirrored in the Chesapeake
Shining gloriously, guidon for the just and free

Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
[INSTRUMENTAL]

Oh say can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there

Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
[INSTRUMENTAL]

Cherish our great land, the freedoms each of us have
Our children, all works of God/Creator of Existence
Remember those who sacrificed, who do what they can
For the freedom, the opportunity gained beyond the tribulation
Of that task most righteous, secure the way true to us
Uphold our rights and justice. In our Maker/God is our trust

Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
STAR SPANGLED BANNER Copyright 2013 by Aaron Nicholson of the new material not in previous versions of "THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER" by Francis Scott Key and John Stafford Smith