Story Behind The Song
Written while driving through the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, near Washington, D.C.
Song Description
Lament of environmental destruction caused by overpopulation, development, and greed
| Song Length |
4:05 |
Genre |
Folk - Rock |
| Tempo |
Very Slow (Under 70) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Heartbreaking, Troubled |
Subject |
Suspicion, Infinity |
| Similar Artists |
John Denver, Bob Dylan |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Alone with my thoughts
On the long open highway
I could be home on Wednesday
If I really tried
But these mountains are lovely
And night, she is calling
Got my vanishing country
Along for the ride
Just imagine the people
Who settled this valley
So proud of their labor
Their unyielding will
They took what they needed
And left us tomorrow
Their children are gone
But they're living here still
There's a light in the distance
Near the bank of that stream
Just a ramshackle farmhouse
Not another one for miles
If I pulled off the highway
And knocked on the door
Could I bear to go in and
Sit down for a while
Could I witness the timeless
And dignified grace
Of a good, simple life
That believes in the land
Could I look in their eyes
And forgive their descendants
Who have moved in with me
And turned forests to sand
I cry for the shame
We have brought here today
And I fear that our greed
Is beyond our control
We belong to the soil
And we shall not possess it
We cannot gain the world
Without losing our soul
So I turn my attention
To the darkening sky
Where the Milky Way shimmers
Like a river of glass
But that glowing horizon
Is the badge of some city
Where the great cleansing peace
Of this moment shall pass
I slow down and consider
This last summer night
And I savor these sounds
I shall not hear again
While the moon's lonely silver
Collects on these foothills
And the lights come more quickly
Around the next bend
As I drink in the scent
Of the soft yellow vine
That flows by the road
Like an angel's long hair
I am pierced by the sadness
Of my destination
I look back through the darkness
And offer my prayer
Please, Lord, attend now
Upon your creation
Grant us the strength
To correct what we've done
Show us the folly
Of our disillusion
Save us from scorching
Like snakes in the sun
I cry for the shame, etc.
Copyright 1993 Harold Howland Music (BMI)
All rights reserved