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 degreesShe′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