[Verse 1]
When formed our band, we were all well mannered
To journey afar to the promised land
The golden ore is rich in store
On the banks of the Sacramento shore

[Chorus]
Ho, boys, ho! To California go
There's plenty of gold in the world, I'm told
On the banks of the Sacramento shore

[Verse 2]
As oft we roam o'er the dark sea's foam
We'll not forget kind friends at home
But memory kind still brings to mind
The love of friends we left behind

[Chorus]
Ho, boys, ho! To California go
There's plenty of gold in the world, I'm told
On the banks of the Sacramento shore

[Verse 3]
We'll expect our share of the coarsest fare
And sometimes sleep in the open air
On the cold damp ground we'll all sleep sound
Except when the wolves go howling 'round
[Chorus]
Ho, boys, ho! To California go
There's plenty of gold in the world, I'm told
On the banks of the Sacramento shore

[Verse 4]
As we explore to the distant shore
Filling our pockets with the shining ore
How it will sound as the shout goes 'round
Filling our pockets with a dozen of pounds

[Chorus]
Ho, boys, ho! To California go
There's plenty of gold in the world, I'm told
On the banks of the Sacramento shore

[Verse 5]
The gold is there almost anywhere
We dig it out rich with an iron bar
But where it is thick, with spade or pick
We take out chunks as big as a brick

[Chorus]
Ho, boys, ho! To California go
There's plenty of gold in the world, I'm told
On the banks of the Sacramento shore
Ho, boys, ho! To California go
There's plenty of gold in the world, I'm told
On the banks of the Sacramento shore