Going To California

This is a song I wrote for an album called Portrait, around 1998 or so.
I was not enamoured with it at first and did not even sing until COuntry & Irish singer Paddy O'Brien recorded the song and had a big hit with it here in Ireland. Somehow, my version was played on the radio in St, John's Newfoundland, and to my great delight became a big hit over there. I didn't know this until I arrived in St, John's for a tour of that wonderful country, when I was told by promoter Leo Puddester, that, under circumstances, was I not to include the song in shows. I tell you, I had some quick to do that night in my dressing room before the concert! One of the greatest memories of my career was of that night when I had to sing it twice, as 1,000 Newfoundlanders sang along with every word of the song. I now love the song and include it in my programme every night. But my thanks go out to Paddy for making it a hit in the first place.

[@timsmusic7349]

Great ballad singer and a beautiful song. Tugs at the heart strings with a soulful melody and the smoothest voice. Just a joy to listen over and over. I never get tired of listening to Johnny.

[@terencelanders4815]

This song is so underrated… just lovely…💚💚💚

[@user-zb9de6ms4u]

Saw this performed in St. John's. Would have been devastated if you didn't sing it. In fact, you did twice, much to our great pleasure. xx

[@HarringtonElectric]

When?

[@elainemadden1344]

One of Ireland’s greatest singers going back to the 80s in the Irish centre Liverpool greatest dance hall here outside London

[@paulabowen6077]

Hurrah for California today 4th July
Uncle Joe you will always be with us and we all thank you for your lovely hospitality GO Raibh Maith Agat Please R.I.P. Love Paula☘️💚🙏

[@timsmusic7349]

Electrician from Cork here scraping around for a few quid with the hopes of being able to keep my hiace van on the road in the late 80s. Nothing left in Ireland after girlfriend didn’t want to stay together anymore. Landed in CA in 88 with a small few bob after selling everything I own and was beyond delighted at having a chance to work and make a few bucks. Was rough going on and off for years and raised 3 kids. Definitely not a smooth road lined with roses but started getting the head above water about 10 years ago. I fly first class back to Ireland once a year now for a week. I love Ireland, love California, love punk, love Lou Reed, love Olivia Rodrigo, love classical, love bluegrass, love grunge, love every kind of music and last but not least, absolutely love Johnny McEvoy.

[@susybill6341]

He was never there when needed
and oh how much she pleaded Saying darling wont you stay home just one time
He'd just smile and say I'm sorry But there's no need to worry Just gonna meet some army buddies Drink some beer and fight the war In the kitchen making wishes As she tidies up the dishes On an other lonely weekend And the wine she drank alone And the nights they hold no pity In the cold of New York city As she waits there in the darkness To hear his key turn in the door She said I'm going to California To taste the sunshine and the wine Sit be side the rolling ocean And slowly pass the time Reading books and old love stories And forget about my worries And maybe who knows maybe We'll meet again sometime. Then one night he came home sober With a longing just to hold her When he found the note she'd written Waiting by the telephone And she said ''I'll always love you And never will forget you But I just can't take this lonely feeling anymore''
Now the nights are cold and lonely And he sits and watches TV Drinking beer and chasing whiskey Wondering where it all went wrong And his eyes are tired and burning From the dreams that kept returning And all his yesterdays they wont leave him aloneShe said I'm going to CaliforniaTo taste the sunshine and the wineSit beside the rolling ocean And slowly pass the time Reading books and old love storiesAnd forget about my worriesAnd maybe who knows maybe We'll meet again sometime.

[@philipegan1806]

Thank you Johnny ❤️🍀🇮🇪

[@sentimentaloldme]

_Love this song Johnny_

[@kenobrienable]

Another fine Sing on a Brilliant Song!

[@angelaprindesis9531]

Beautiful ❤

[@marymoore9309]

Beautiful song..

[@johnjmcnally6146]

A Really Great Singer & Person.!!!

[@marykeough6694]

I just love this song

[@marianwilliams3699]

Love you always xx

[@marianwilliams3699]

Love this song and so tru xx

[@philipegan1806]

3, 2... 🇮🇪🍀❤️

[@user-it4ye2fo1p]

Beautiful

[@marykeough6694]

I love this song 0:41

[@marykeough6694]

❤❤❤

[@RoseMcpadden]

Know the felling😢

[@michaelquinn2420]

2