King of California

Well I left my home and my one true love

East of the Ohio River

Her father said we'd never wed

For I had neither gold nor silver

But my darlin' dear, please shed no tears

Oh, I think that it's fair to warn ya

That I'll return to claim your hand

As the king of California

Over deserts hot and mountains cold

I traveled the Indian country

Whispering your name under lonesome skies

Remembering my only company

But my darlin' dear please have no fears

For I think that it's fair to warn ya

That I'll return to claim your hand

As the king of California

I went up from Sacramento Town

To the Sierra gold fields

And I worked my snake on a river bank

Dreamin' just how a rich man feels

Now, my darlin' dear, listen here

For I think that it's fair to warn ya

That I'll return to claim your hand

As the king of California

Now the dead man's lyin' at my feet

Tried to steal my earnin's

And yet I still recall your tender kiss

Though this bullet in my chest is burnin'

Oh, my darlin' dear, please shed no tear

'Cause I think that it's fair to warn ya

That I'll return to claim your hand

As the king of California

That I'll return to claim your hand

As the king of California