California to Ohio

February of '53, Dress blues on ten day leave,

Her picture in my hand, thumbing my way through south Cheyenne.

Route 30 and heading east, with a stranger next to me,

One thousand, three-hundred miles, Until I see my baby's smile.

Waking up in the passenger seat, of a '49 Mercury,

Johnnie Ray on the radio, Counting streets as it starts to snow,

Staring into the morning sun, her name on the tip of my tongue.

Two days down, just one more day, Until I see my baby's face

So I'll cross the Mississippi as the daylight fades,

Hold on honey, I'm on my way.

From California, to Ohio,

I'm gonna get there, beg, steal or borrow,

Back to the one I love, back to the place I know,

From California, back to Ohio.

Grey skies and taillights, state lines and motel signs,

Stars and clouds to pass the time, while her heart serves as my guide.

It's just the start of a life well lived, a beautiful wife and four small kids,

The love that lives in her blue eyes, I'll hold close until I die.