Music expresses all occasions, especially the passionate issues. We heard protest songs about Vietnam and Civil Rights in the ’60’s, from Joan Baez to Bob Dylan to Mahalia Jackson. Sometimes angry and provocative, these were lyrics that moved citizens from simple concern to action. Songs became rallying points. They fanned the embers.
Songs to save the planet were among the musical voices of those times, too, and they have continued to inspire. “The Last Resort” is a classic anthem that has stopped me in my emotional tracks each time it’s come on. In the three decades since release, Don Henley's plea for responsible caretaking of the American West has only gotten stronger. His impassioned themes speak to the history of the West’s invasion from Out East. An Eagle’s Earth song that endures.
As we continue to harmonize through the next 30 years, the same nagging themes of cultural injustice and religion and the ethics of growth found in his song will require informed decisions. Especially with climate challenges. The American West has always evoked deep gut feelings of grandeur, from the first theft of Indian Land, through the Westward Movement, the Gold Rush days, to now. Always, again, against the backdrop of finite natural resources and simple living space.
Set aside seven minutes to watch/listen (earbuds) to this tune.
Come back to the lyrics below and maybe even listen again. :-)
~ The cliche': Have we loved the American West to death?
(Why do we now need shuttle buses into and within
Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon?)
~ How do we reconcile the carrying capacity of this region?
(Las Vegas, are you listening?)
~ Wildfires, diminishing snowpack, water depletion, drought…
(Nature bats last…)
Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon?)
~ How do we reconcile the carrying capacity of this region?
(Las Vegas, are you listening?)
~ Wildfires, diminishing snowpack, water depletion, drought…
(Nature bats last…)
~ Is “The Last Resort” a metaphor for other regions on Earth?
(“Call someplace paradise, kiss it good-bye.”)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Eagles, (Don Henley) 1976
She came from Providence,
the one in Rhode Island
Where the old world shadows hang
heavy in the air
She packed her hopes and dreams
like a refugee
Just as her father came
across the sea
She heard about a place
people were smilin'
They spoke about the red man's way,
and how they loved the land.
They came from everywhere
to the Great Divide
Seeking a place to stand
or a place to hide.
Down in the crowded bars,
out for a good time,
Can't wait to tell you all,
what it's like up there.
They called it paradise
I don't know why.
Somebody laid the mountains low
while the town got high.
Then the chilly winds blew down
Across the desert
through the canyons of the coast,
to the Malibu
Where the pretty people play,
hungry for power
to light their neon way
and give them things to do.
Some rich men came and raped the land,
Nobody caught 'em
Put up a bunch of ugly boxes,
and, Jesus,
people bought 'em
And they called it paradise
The place to be
They watched the hazy sun,
sinking in the sea
You can leave it all behind
and sail to Lahaina
just like the missionaries did,
so many years ago
They even brought a neon sign:
said, "Jesus is coming"
Brought the white man's burden down
Brought the white man's reign.
Who will provide the grand design?
Of what is yours and what is mine?
'Cause there is no more new frontier
We have got to make it here
We satisfy our endless needs
and
justify our bloody deeds,
in the name of destiny
and the name of God
And you can see them there,
On Sunday morning
Stand up and sing about
what it's like up there
They call it paradise
I don't know why
Call someplace paradise,
kiss it goodbye.
