As I have often said on Simplicity Blog I am a 30 year fan of The Eagles.It was great to read that Don Henley was rewarded last week for his work of a philanthropic nature for the environment for many years in his own quiet way.
Henley was awarded the MusiCares Person of the Year 2007 – click here for more details
If you want to feel the passion Henley has for the environment listen to The Last Resort – a Henley solo classic in which he displays all his emotion about environmental and justice issues.
Here are the lyrics of The Last Resort but believe me you really have to hear Henley sing it to appreciate the passion – but then I am biased of course.
"The Last Resort"
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
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: "Jesus is coming"
Brought the white man's burden down
Brought the white man's reign
Who will provide the grand design?
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
They stand up and sing about what it's like up there
They call it paradise I don't know why
You call someplace paradise, kiss it goodbye
6 comments:
Trevor, cool lyrics. Especially for a native Rhode Islander like myself. I was born in Providence (the one mentioned) as was about half the people in the state (it is a small state). I grew up in Pawtucket, a neighboring city just north and east of Providence.
Hi Steve
That's a brilliant response – thank you for that information.
Of course some of the American geography is lost on me as a Brit :-) but I get the gist of what Henley is saying in the lyrics – how do you feel about his words? – are they unfair/fair from your perspective as a ‘Rhode Islander’ and native of Providence?
Amazing co-incidence you were be born in Providence.
When I saw the picture, I thought he was actor Martin Sheen...
;)
You are so right Gabriel - if Henley's career goes South there may be a new job as a Martin Sheen look alike :-)
I agree Trevor, Gabriel is right, Don Henley DOES look like Martin Sheen in this picture. Speaking of lookalikes, I still think you looked like Tom Cruise in your youth, about 5 years ago :-) (In fact, wasn't it Gabriel that pointed this out in the first place?)
I think it was hon - Gabriel must have poor eyesight methinks :-)
Post a Comment