Where the old world shadows hang, heavy in the air
She packed her hopes and dreams, like a refugee
Just as her father came, across the sea.
She heard about a place, people were smiling
Spoke about the red mans way, the howling of the land
They came from everywhere, to the Great Divide
Seeking a place to stay, or a place to hide.
Down in the crowded bars, out for a good time
Can't wait to tell you all, what it's like up there
They call it Paradise, I don't know why
Somebody laid the mountains low, while the tide got high.
Then the chilly winds blew down, across the desert
Through the canyons out the coast, to the Malibu
Where the pretty people play, hunting for power
Too like them in your ways, give 'em things to do
Some rich man came and wrecked the land
Nobody caught him
They call it paradise, the place to be
They watched the hazy sun, sinking in the sea
You can leave it all behind and sail to Ohio
Just like the missionaries did, so many years ago
But even down in the outside, Jesus is coming
He bought the white mans burden down
He bought the white mans ring
Who will provide the grand design..what is yours and what is mine
Cause there is no more new frontier,
We have got to make it here, satisfy your endless needs
And justify your bloody deeds
In the name of destiney, In the name of God
And you can see them there, on a Sunday morning
Stand up and sing about, what it's like up there
They call it Paradise, I don't know why
Call some place Paradise, Kiss it goodbye