It's interesting how art transcends specific meaning, as this site attests.
While environmental concerns seem to fit the lyrics well, that is a modern preoccupation and I think it more likely that - as some have pointed out - Young had war on his mind as the devastator of the Earth and humanity. The nuclear blast in the middle verse is quite shocking, once pointed out. And yes, Vietnam and the end of the hippy dream are also hovering at the edges of this lyrical world.
I love that people are pointing out the past, present and future structure (reminds me of 'Various Times' by The Fall, which uses the same device), but have you also noticed how the past and future are both described as dreams? The idyllic medieval past and the rescue of humanity aren't real, but the burned-out basement and the bomb are. Quite a depressing song, really.
@chrisrazor Rachel Carlson's "Silent Spring" had been published starting in 1962. Environmental concerns had more public awareness by the 1970 publication date of After The Gold Rush.
@chrisrazor Rachel Carlson's "Silent Spring" had been published starting in 1962. Environmental concerns had more public awareness by the 1970 publication date of After The Gold Rush.
It's interesting how art transcends specific meaning, as this site attests.
While environmental concerns seem to fit the lyrics well, that is a modern preoccupation and I think it more likely that - as some have pointed out - Young had war on his mind as the devastator of the Earth and humanity. The nuclear blast in the middle verse is quite shocking, once pointed out. And yes, Vietnam and the end of the hippy dream are also hovering at the edges of this lyrical world.
I love that people are pointing out the past, present and future structure (reminds me of 'Various Times' by The Fall, which uses the same device), but have you also noticed how the past and future are both described as dreams? The idyllic medieval past and the rescue of humanity aren't real, but the burned-out basement and the bomb are. Quite a depressing song, really.
@chrisrazor Rachel Carlson's "Silent Spring" had been published starting in 1962. Environmental concerns had more public awareness by the 1970 publication date of After The Gold Rush.
@chrisrazor Rachel Carlson's "Silent Spring" had been published starting in 1962. Environmental concerns had more public awareness by the 1970 publication date of After The Gold Rush.