Song Description
A husband became ill and wife was going to have to support the family. She said, "We are moving to California where I know I can find work" so they took off. The husband was quite prideful so determined to get well quickly, so he did. Worked in orchards, etc, until he found work for his skill, heavy duty mechanic. They moved around until he found the job that would support the family well. Children grew up, Married, some found great jobs, some started their own businesses and life became better each generation. Now the family has Teachers, RNs, Lawyers, Naval and Army personnel, You name it, they have it. And yes, several had Cadillac's and swimming pools.
The Okies all done good, and oh yes, one daughter followed her dream later in life to write songs for God!!
| Song Length |
3:58 |
Genre |
Country - Americana, Country - Bluegrass |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Instrumental |
| Mood |
Peaceful, In High Spirits |
Subject |
Happiness, State |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1930 - 1939 |
Lyrics
California Okies
©Mae Elizabeth Overstreet 1989 Songwriter Name change in process 2020
We left those Oklahoma hills in 1942
Heading west on route 66 to make our dreams come true
We heard the streets were paved with gold and money grew on trees
We were California Okies with patches on our knees
When we got to Bakers field the streets were dull and gray
We looked around for the money trees guess they'd gone away
So we all picked peaches and apricots slept in tents on army cots
Prayed for things to get better day by day
Yes, we were California Okies back in 1942
Heading west on Route 66
To make our dreams come true
Daddy got a job at the sawmill
Mama tried to make ends meet
She washed our clothes on a scrub board
Made sure we had enough to eat
She made our cloths on her treadle machine
So we could go to school
They taught us to love the family and live by the golden rule
Daddy read from the good book
Mama said our prayers at night
We all sang Rock of ages by the glow of the coal oil light
Then they moved to the Napa Valley
And Mama said "We're gona stay"
So they bought a home of their very own
and Mamas still there today
Many years have passed us by and life has been just fine
Mama has 23 grandkids and the greatgrands number 25
We own Cadillac's and swimming pools
And big homes with a view
But we still recall the trip we made in 1942
Yes, we were California Okies in 1942
Heading west on route 66
To make our dreams come true
Yes, we were California Okies in 1942
Heading west on route 66
To make our dreams come true