She came from Providence

The one in Rhode Island

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

They spoke about the red man's way

And how they loved the land

They came from everywhere

To the great divide

Seeking a place to stand

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

Sandy called it paradise

I don't know why

Somebody laid the mountains low

While the town got high

Then the chilly winds blew down

Across the desert

Through the canyons of the coast

To the Malibu

Where the pretty people play

Hungry for power

To light their neon way

Give them things to do

Some rich men came and raped the land

Nobody caught them

Put up a bunch of ugly boxes

Jesus people bought them

They called it paradise

The place to be

They watched the hazy sun sinking in the sea

You can leave it all behind

And sail to Lahaina

Just like the missionaries did so many years ago

They even brought a neon sign said Jesus is coming

Brought the white man's burden down

Brought the white man's reign

Who will provide the grand design

What is yours and what is mine

Because there is no more new frontier

We have got to make it here

We satisfy our endless needs and

Justify our bloody deeds

In the name of destiny

In the name of God

And you can see them there

On Sunday morning

Stand up and sing about

What it's like up there

They call it paradise

I don't know

I don't know why

You call someplace paradise

Kiss it goodbye