Next Thing

I was a sucker a long time ago
I ain't a sucker, though, not anymore
That's what they all say, you're just as bad as them
That's what they all say, what makes you think you're any better?
'Cause you're not, take a seat and a slot on the bus headin' West
You're gonna need your rest

The next thing I knew I was in California
It didn't feel strange at all 
Everybody said, "We've got to warn ya
You won't be back next fall"

The next thing I knew I was in California
It didn't feel strange at all 
Everybody said, "We've got to warn ya
You won't be back next fall"

I've been sinnin', I've been beggin' to get caught
I've been waitin' for my freedom from this cult
I was plannin' my escape, like non-stop
Got my ticket on the last flight before the sun comes up again
Over the bridge, it's creeping over where I live

The next thing I knew I was in California
It didn't feel strange at all 
Everybody said, "We've got to warn ya
You won't be back next fall"

The next thing I knew I was in California
It didn't feel strange at all 
Everybody said, "We've got to warn ya
You won't be back next fall"

California, California
California (you never sent my stuff to me)
(But I don't really care much)
California (someone sold my shit for me)
(I guess I never really needed it)

Red light at the top of the hill
I was stopped for an hour or two
Took a while to adjust to the fact 
I couldn't change even if I wanted to
To all my friends that are still in the city
Are you wakin' up later and later?
To all my friends that are still my friends
I hope that's all the friends I ever made
Sweat through my shirt crossing the bridge
Think I could maybe bum a change of attire
From an apartment on Lafayette street
Or a house up in Brooklyn Heights

Pit stop on my way back to work (you never sent my stuff to me)
I hope don't get caught in the rain (but I don't really care much)
Even if I do, it won't be so bad (someone sold my shit for me)
Or maybe bad enough that I'll feel some pain (I guess I never really needed it)
Some pain is okay