Barren Ground
Harvest of Regret: Bruce Hornsby's Tale of Lost Roots
Lyrics
There were people living in a green valley
People lived in a prosperous valley.
Found a way to make a lot of money
They found a way to amass wealth.
Made the green turn gradually gray
Their actions led to environmental degradation, turning the green valley gray.
They figured they could do whatever they wanted
They believed they could act without consequences.
Everything would be alright
Despite their optimism, some wounds don't heal.
But scars don't always heal away
Scars remain, symbolizing lasting consequences.
And the sons and the daughters got diamonds and gold
The next generation inherited wealth but not a nurturing environment.
But they were given a land where
They received a land without strong foundations.
Strong roots never take hold
Roots, essential for stability, couldn't take hold.
Good seed don't grow
Quality doesn't thrive in unfavorable conditions.
On the barren ground
Barren ground represents an inhospitable environment.
Good things don't come along
Positive developments don't occur when idle dreams persist.
As you just sit dreaming on
While daydreaming, one may miss opportunities.
Good seed don't grow
Quality doesn't thrive in unfavorable conditions.
On the barren ground
Reiteration of the challenge of growth in a barren environment.
Say everything fades away
Everything fades away, emphasizing impermanence.
There you are still around
Despite changes, a persistent presence endures.
What'll you do where will you go
Questioning future actions and destinations.
There was a ship along the coast
A ship with illicit funds sails along the coast.
Carrying a load of black money
Money obtained through questionable means.
In the sound near the northern lights
Near the northern lights, adding a mystical element.
When the ship set sail
The ship sets sail, initiating a journey.
The crew looked for guidance
The crew seeks guidance in alcohol.
In the bottom of an empty glass
Desperation leads to seeking solace at the bottom of a glass.
Then the captain said "pour me another rye"
The captain requests more alcohol.
Then the water turned black as that cold winter's night
The water turns black, indicating a negative turn of events.
Good seed don't grow
Reiteration of the difficulty of growth in unfavorable conditions.
On the barren ground
Challenges persist in barren environments.
Good things don't come along
Positive developments require proactive effort.
As you just sit dreaming on
Warnings against passive dreaming without action.
Good seed don't grow
Reiteration of the challenge of growth in a barren environment.
On the barren ground
Highlighting the difficulty of positive change in adverse conditions.
Say everything fades away
Emphasizing the transience of everything.
There you are still around
A persistent presence endures despite challenges.
What'll you do where will you go
Questioning future actions and destinations.
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