Paradise
Journey through Loss and Nostalgia: Jo Hamilton's 'Paradise' Reflection
Lyrics
When I was a child my family would travel
Reflecting on childhood memories of family travels.
Down to Western Kentucky where my parents were born
Visiting Western Kentucky, the birthplace of parents.
And there's a backwards old town that's often remembered
Describing an old town with nostalgic significance.
So many times that my memories are worn
Repeated memories have become well-worn over time.
And daddy won't you take me back to Muhlenberg County
Requesting to return to Muhlenberg County, a sentimental place.
Down by the Green River where Paradise lay
Referring to Paradise near the Green River, now gone.
Well, I'm sorry my son, but you're too late in asking
Parent regrets that Paradise has been taken away.
Mister Peabody's coal train has hauled it away
Mentioning Mr. Peabody's coal train as the cause of removal.
Well, sometimes we'd travel right down the Green River
Recalling travels along the Green River.
To the abandoned old prison down by Airdrie Hill
Visiting an abandoned prison near Airdrie Hill.
Where the air smelled like snakes and we'd shoot with our pistols
Describing an environment with a snake-like smell, engaging in harmless activities.
But empty pop bottles was all we would kill
Using pistols, but only shooting at empty pop bottles.
Then the coal company came with the world's largest shovel
Introduction of the coal company with destructive actions.
And they tortured the timber and stripped all the land
Depicting environmental destruction and land-stripping.
Well, they dug for their coal till the land was forsaken
Coal extraction leading to the abandonment of the land.
Then they wrote it all down as the progress of man
Highlighting the exploitation for progress in records.
When I die let my ashes float down the Green River
Expressing a desire for a symbolic return to the Green River upon death.
Let my soul roll on up to the Rochester dam
Wishing for the soul to move towards Rochester dam and Paradise.
I'll be halfway to Heaven with Paradise waitin'
Anticipating being close to Paradise after death.
Just five miles away from wherever I am
Emphasizing the proximity of Paradise, five miles away in any location.
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