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California Blue

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CALIFORNIA BLUE by Roy Orbison
from the album "Mystery Girl"
Words and Music by R. Orbison, J. Lynne, and T. Petty
 [CHORDS]
   Dxx0232
   G3x0003
   Ax02220
  Em022100
  A7x02020
[Intro] (strike once): D  
[Verse 1]
Working all Dday
And the sun don't Gshine
Trying to get Aby
And I'm just killin' Dtime
I feel the Drain
Fall the whole night Gthrough
Far away from EmyouA  
California DBlue
[Chorus]
California GBlue
Dreaming all aDlone
Nothing else to A7do
California DBlue
Everyday I Gpray
I'll be on my Dway
Saving love for A7you
California DBlue
[Bridge]
A7One Sunny Day
I'll get Dback again
GSomehow, someAway
But I Ddon't know when
California ABlue
California DBlue
[Verse 2]
Living my Dlife
With you on my Gmind
Thinking of Athings
That I left far beDhind
It's been so Dlong
Doing all I can Gdo
To get back to EmyouA  
California DBlue
[Chorus]
California GBlue
Dreaming all aDlone
Nothing else to A7do
California DBlue
Everyday I Gpray
I'll be on my Dway
Saving love for A7you
California DBlue
[Bridge]
A7One Sunny Day
I'll get Dback again
GSomehow, someAway
But I Ddon't know when
California ABlue
California DBlue
[Outro] (Repeat 3 times):
Still missing EmyouA  
California DBlue

All chords in this song (5)

The story behind the song

"California Blue" was written by Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty, and recorded in 1988. It evokes the feeling of longing and searching, perhaps for a place or a dream that feels just out of reach. The song's mood is characteristic of Roy Orbison's style, often marked by a powerful voice and emotional depth. It plays like a journey towards a hopeful, yet still distant, horizon.

AI-written from these sources:California Blue — Wikipedia ↗Roy Orbison — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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California Blue

by Roy Orbison

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

CALIFORNIA BLUE by Roy Orbison

from the album "Mystery Girl"

Words and Music by R. Orbison, J. Lynne, and T. Petty

[CHORDS]

xx0232

3x0003

x02220

022100

x02020

[Intro] (strike once):

[Verse 1]

Working all day

And the sun don't shine

Trying to get by

And I'm just killin' time

I feel the rain

Fall the whole night through

Em A

Far away from you

California Blue

[Chorus]

California Blue

Dreaming all alone

Nothing else to do

California Blue

Everyday I pray

I'll be on my way

Saving love for you

California Blue

[Bridge]

One Sunny Day

I'll get back again

G A

Somehow, someway

But I don't know when

California Blue

[Verse 2]

Living my life

With you on my mind

Thinking of things

That I left far behind

It's been so long

Doing all I can do

Em A

To get back to you

California Blue

[Chorus]

California Blue

Dreaming all alone

Nothing else to do

California Blue

Everyday I pray

I'll be on my way

Saving love for you

California Blue

[Bridge]

One Sunny Day

I'll get back again

G A

Somehow, someway

But I don't know when

California Blue

[Outro] (Repeat 3 times):

Em A

Still missing you

California Blue

About California Blue Chords by Roy Orbison

Learn how to play California Blue by Roy Orbison with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “California Blue chords”, “California Blue guitar chords”, or “Roy Orbison California Blue chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy California Blue chords and for experienced players who want accurate California Blue lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, G, A, Em, A7.

FAQ — California Blue by Roy Orbison

How do I play "California Blue" by Roy Orbison on guitar?

Open the free chords for "California Blue" by Roy Orbison on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "California Blue" by Roy Orbison free?

Yes. The chords for "California Blue" by Roy Orbison are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "California Blue" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "California Blue" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "California Blue"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "California Blue" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "California Blue" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "California Blue" by Roy Orbison with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Roy Orbison below.

What key is "California Blue" in?

The chords for "California Blue" show the original chord names (including D, G, A, Em, A7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.