I can't say goodbye,
I can't say goodbye to my home.

You told me yesterday, you said you could not stay,
It seems like where you're going is half a world away.

And I can't say goodbye,
No, I can't say goodbye to my home.

I'm California grown, guess I'm the last to roam,
Soon I'll be sitting by these golden shores alone.

'Cause I can't say goodbye,
I can't say goodbye,
I can't say goodbye to my home.

You'll write me every week, as your babies grow and learn to speak,
I'll always pray that Tennessee is good to you,
You know I'd follow if I could.

But I can't say goodbye,
I can't say goodbye to my home.

You've been my trusted friend,
I'll love you 'til the end, and anything you need, on me you can depend.

But I can't say goodbye,
No, I can't say goodbye,
No, I can't say goodbye to my home.