Carmel

This uncommon, small town is a sight to be seen
Lying on the west coast elbow of Cali...
With a comfortable temperature at 60-some degrees
She's rich with scenery and thick with history

From Spanish settlements lead by Junipero Serra
And Shakespeare plays from the 1700's era
She's astounding... Once within her surroundings
You'll find no comparison, and you won't want to leave

As the fog builds around her hills and valleys
From villages and ranches advancing toward her beach
Traffic crawls until it's standing where signs reading, 'Stop'
Rarely cross divided streets

Her slower pace yields an independent appeal
From mom 'n' pop shops to the Lone Cypress Tree
She will (Not) let the conglomerate of corporations wander in
With Jack In the Box nor McDonald's offerings...

Barking sea lions, cackling scrub jays
Woodpeckers and hummingbirds are heard amongst her trees
With Monterey as her sister, she's a fixture
Just read Steinbeck's literature off Cannery Row's industry

From factories to factoring tourism hands of trade
She celebrates with airshows where Jazz Festivals are commonplace
From adoption to adopting my mainstay
I found my way along this Hwy One accolade

Although I now reside in a different state
One day I will return...
You can find me at the Mission Inn
Sipping wine and listening to the crashing waves

If I were to pick one place to spend Sundays
From then until the end of the following week
No hesitation, no question necessary
I'd retire in Carmel-by-the-Sea

If I only had one choice where my heart would expire
If I had to decide where I'd be laid to rest in peace
It'd be the place which molded and guided me... Carmel-By-The-Sea

If I (Had) to pick one place to spend Saturdays
'Til the saddest day our earth's end is reached
My decision would be heartfelt
You can meet me at the guardrail By-The-Sea of Carmel

If I only had (One) choice...
If I (Had) to decide right now under this star belt
It wouldn't be a hard sell, the land that's a part of me
Where my heart's held, the town of Carmel

If you ever plan a visit you'll find the kindest of people
Grey and white seagulls and sunset skies unequaled
The view from her Point overwhelms revealing Pebble Beach
Where The Pro-Am convenes in a contest of technique

Travel down Scenic Ave for designs by Frank Lloyd Wright
And find the house of former mayor, Clint Eastwood
Her one-square mile of rustic cottages, astonishes
It's no wonder so many paintings have been drafted upon an easel

Her valley's rolling hills once depicted by Salvador Dali
Plus Thomas Kinkade's paintings fill multiple galleries
Nancy Dodds has been a staple and the photog,
Ansel Adams captured her essence, so regal

Even Hank Ketcham comics and children's books by Dr. Seuss
Were inspired by her, igniting more than a sequel
She's uncommonly quiet. There's solace in her silence
A reason for advertisement of a place so peaceful

Where a gem a with gentle breeze meets a salty smell of kelp
Dwells a healthily lived lifestyle
You can read all about her beauty in travel magazines
But a visit would be far more worth your while

I'm a fortunate one for having had the opportunity
To grow up with her sands beneath my feet
I'm the fortunate one for having her and her community
To call my balance beam