Barren Ground

Barren Ground features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals, synthesizer); George Marinelli (guitar, backing vocals); John Molo (drums, percussion); Joe Puerta (bass, backing vocals); Shawn Colvin (backing vocals); Bela Fleck (banjo); Jerry Garcia (guitar).

In this song, we try to show another angle on how the reckless actions of people today, actions taken with no precautions for protecting the environment, will come back to harm their children and descendants.

Bruce was having dinner with Senator Bill Bradley right after the Prince William Sound debacle and the senator prodded Bruce to write about it. The first verse refers to the rain forests problem.

The central message of the song is found in the lines “And the sons and the daughters got diamonds and gold, but they were given a land were strong roots never take hold.

From “Bruce Hornsby & The Range – A Night On The Town” Sheet music published in 1990 by Cherry Lane Music Company, Inc. (ISBN 0-89524-580-9)

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York, PA
Band show; audience recording
October 22 2004

Barren Ground meaning of the song

Barren Ground by Bruce Hornsby addresses environmental destruction and its impact on future generations. The song reflects on how the reckless exploitation of natural resources for short-term gain leads to long-term consequences. Bruce frames this ecological message in terms of generational responsibility, warning that while the current generation may profit from their actions, their descendants will inherit a damaged and unproductive land. Inspired by the environmental disasters of the time, particularly the Prince William Sound oil spill, the song is a poignant reminder of the dangers of ignoring environmental preservation.

Environmental degradation and the Prince William Sound spill

The context behind the song stems from a conversation Bruce had with Senator Bill Bradley following the environmental disaster in Prince William Sound. The incident, which refers to the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989, is a key inspiration for the song. This event led to widespread ecological destruction, particularly affecting marine life and the surrounding ecosystem. Bruce uses this as a backdrop to reflect on broader issues of environmental degradation, particularly the deforestation of rainforests, as referenced in the first verse.

By linking the deforestation of rainforests with the oil spill, Bruce is highlighting a global problem—the rampant exploitation of nature for profit. Both examples are emblematic of humanity’s disregard for the environment and the consequences of reckless industrial action.

The image of barren ground

The title “Barren Ground” encapsulates the central metaphor of the song. The phrase “barren ground” refers to land that is unproductive, infertile, or stripped of its vitality. In the context of the song, it symbolises the lasting damage inflicted upon the Earth by irresponsible environmental practices. This barren land represents the inheritance left to future generations—a stark contrast to the “diamonds and gold” the current generation reaps. The barrenness is a metaphor for the environmental collapse that occurs when short-term profits are prioritised over long-term sustainability.

The sons and daughters and their inheritance

The lines “And the sons and the daughters got diamonds and gold / But they were given a land where strong roots never take hold” serve as the thematic core of the song. Here, Bruce contrasts material wealth with ecological devastation. The “diamonds and gold” represent the riches gained from exploiting natural resources, while the barren land is the consequence of that exploitation. Future generations may inherit material wealth, but they will also inherit a planet that can no longer support life or growth—land where “strong roots never take hold.”

This powerful image of roots unable to grow reflects the idea that environmental damage not only affects the present but also leaves a legacy of destruction for future generations. The “sons and daughters” will be left with a broken world, unable to sustain itself due to the greed of the previous generation.

Cultural and historical references

The reference to rainforests in the first verse speaks to the widespread deforestation occurring globally, particularly in places like the Amazon. The destruction of these critical ecosystems for economic gain has long been a concern for environmental activists. Rainforests are often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” because they produce a significant portion of the planet’s oxygen. Bruce’s choice to reference this issue highlights its urgency and the catastrophic consequences of continued deforestation.

In a broader sense, the song’s message aligns with the growing environmental awareness movements of the 1980s and 1990s. The era saw an increased public focus on ecological disasters, particularly in the wake of high-profile events like the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which brought attention to the dangers of industrial negligence.

Responsibility and recklessness

The theme of responsibility versus recklessness runs throughout the song. Bruce condemns the actions of those who prioritise immediate financial gain without considering the long-term effects on the environment. The imagery of “strong roots” unable to grow implies that, without careful stewardship, the damage done today will prevent future generations from thriving. This message is particularly relevant in the context of global climate change, where the effects of environmental degradation are becoming increasingly apparent.

The song encourages listeners to think about the legacy they are leaving behind and the responsibility they have to ensure that future generations inherit a world that is still capable of sustaining life. Bruce’s lyrics suggest that while the present generation may benefit materially from their actions, they are ultimately robbing their children of a livable future.

Summary

Barren Ground” is a powerful commentary on environmental destruction and the lasting impact it has on future generations. Bruce draws attention to the reckless exploitation of natural resources, particularly through deforestation and industrial disasters like the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The metaphor of “barren ground” represents the unproductive and damaged land that future generations will inherit, despite the material wealth (“diamonds and gold”) gained by their predecessors. The song urges a more responsible approach to environmental stewardship, reminding listeners that the consequences of today’s actions will echo long into the future. Through vivid imagery and a central message of generational responsibility, Bruce delivers a poignant reflection on the dangers of ignoring the environment.