From the recording Count. Me. In.
This is a parable for our time. An encounter with all that threatens life and a simple tree...well maybe not that simple.
Lyrics
Smoke and the Joshua Tree.
E A E B
This is my world now. Your reign is done. Said Smoke to the Joshua Tree.
You cannot escape. I am everywhere. It’s time for you all to take your leave.
The traitor wind and the prankster sun do my dirty work for free.
Gardeners will all become gravediggers. Just you wait and see.
F#m C#m F#m C#m - B
I’m no soothsayer with hopes of doom, Just an archer aiming at your soft \heart.
F#m C#m Bsus4 - B
I’m just here to see your terror as the unraveling starts.
The Joshua Tree breathed in ancient carbon. Blew oxygen right in Smoke’s face.
“Smoke, well, aren’t you the proud one! We are just starting this human race.
Have you forgotten I, too, am everywhere, not just a single tree?
Life is forging your shackles, yet you pretend to be free.
The Guardians have taken off your mask. They are taking aim at your black heart.
I can hear that subtle edge of your terror, as the rewilding starts.”
Smoke said, “I have seen the coming sacrifice. A gray shell hiding all below.
A red hot knife showing no mercy. Species come and then they go.”
The Joshua Tree laughed and began to call the birds and beasts to gather round.
Carnivores of Old Times filled the chorus with lost creatures soon to be found.
The stars rang like freedom bells. The mushrooms bloomed everywhere.
Corals painted the ocean floor. Dolphins spun in the air.
Smoke struggled in the coffin of his anger, said, “There’s one creature you’ll never bring to heel.
He loves his cars, his parking lots and towers, glassed off from the weather he can’t feel.”
The Joshua Tree parted the veil of Time, Showed a village planting hillsides with trees,
A city highway full of bikes and scooters, nature set loose and rolling wild and free.
(and he sang:)
“The rewilding starts.” (4x)
Listen to the Joshua Tree (4x)
Listen, just listen. Listen, just listen. (2x)
Words and Music by David B. Hakan
© 2020 All Rights Reserved 10-15-2020