Verse 1
The sunset waves like an old-time friend,
Same old magic at the day’s slow end.
Buttercup eyes like the sunset sky —
Life feels lighter when the day goes by.
Verse 2
Long day’s over, shoes untied,
Takeout swinging like a trophy by my side.
Crosswalks flashing like it’s an almond joke,
Even traffic’s got rhythm when you’re heading home.
Pre-Chorus
The sunset waves like an old-time friend,
Same old magic at the day’s slow end.
Chorus
Buttercup eyes like the sunset sky,
Life feels lighter when the day goes by.
Verse 3
Kids are laughing, Lego on the floor,
Neighbors yelling through the walls next door.
I turn the key and the world feels new,
Every smile in the room shining straight on through.
Bridge
Every life feels like a brand-new song —
This is where my tired heart belongs.
Chorus 2
Buttercup eyes like the sunset sky,
Life feels lighter when the day goes by.
Verse 4
Fire in the clouds or a soft red glow,
Painting the glass with a magic show.
Even through the chaos I realize,
Peace lives here in those buttercup eyes.
Final Chorus / Outro
Buttercup eyes like the sunset sky,
Life feels lighter when the day goes by.
Buttercup eyes like the sunset sky,
Life feels lighter when the day goes by.
Buttercup eyes like the sunset sky,
Life feels lighter when the day goes by.
Buttercup eyes like the sunset sky,
Life feels lighter when the day goes by.
Conceptual Note:
“Buttercup Eyes (California Chris Version)” is the final chapter of Songs of the Desert.
Where the Emily Stellar version opened the album in innocence and new love, this closing version arrives after transformation — love reborn, life simplified, and joy rediscovered in the ordinary.
It represents home, peace, and completion. The cycle restarts here, looping the listener back to Track 1, but with new understanding.