Lyrics
When you say good-bye to California
Questioning the possibility of accompanying someone leaving California
Could I follow you?
Expressing a desire to follow the person leaving
Could I follow you then?
Reiterating the question of whether following is feasible
Could I reach you then?
Asking if reaching the person is possible
When you say good-bye to California
Repetition of the desire to leave California
And eternal Spring
Referencing the constant pleasant weather of California
Good-bye eternal Spring and every little thing
Saying goodbye to the enjoyable climate and everything associated with it
And every little thing
Emphasizing the significance of even small details being left behind
And I think of you with ten silver slide trombones
Associating the thought of the person leaving with an imagery of ten silver slide trombones, possibly indicating a bittersweet or nostalgic feeling
And I think of you with ten silver slide trombones
Reiteration of the previous line, reinforcing the connection between the person leaving and the trombones
Merle Haggard's playing on the radio
Mentioning Merle Haggard's music on the radio, associating with Bakersfield's music scene
The songs of Bakersfield
Referencing the music and cultural significance of Bakersfield
And you're already far away
Expressing a sense of distance from the person leaving, already being far away
When you say good-bye to California
Reiteration of the departure from California, questioning the changes in the world due to this departure
What's the world coming to?
Questioning the impact of leaving California on the world at large
When you say good-bye to California
Repeating the departure from California and its implications
What's the world coming to?
Reiterating the question about the consequences of leaving California
What's the world coming to?
Pondering the significance or implications of leaving California, emphasizing uncertainty and concern
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