Look Out Any Window features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals, synthesizer); George Marinelli (guitar, backing vocals); Peter Harris (mandolin, guitar); John Molo (drums); Joe Puerta (bass, backing vocals).
Look Out Any Window meaning of the song
Look Out Any Window by Bruce Hornsby explores themes of corporate greed, environmental degradation, and the disconnection between powerful entities and the consequences of their actions. Through poignant imagery and relatable situations, Bruce highlights the urgent need for awareness and responsibility in a world where people often turn a blind eye to the issues that surround them.
Imagery of environmental decline
The song begins with the stark image of “a man workin’ in a field” who observes “the rain and it’s burning.” This juxtaposition of rain, typically associated with nourishment, with the notion of burning suggests a devastating environmental transformation. The phrase “this can’t be real” expresses disbelief at the state of the natural world, underscoring the shock and despair that often accompany the reality of environmental degradation.
As the man witnesses “the color of the fields turning,” it reflects the broader impact of corporate neglect and exploitation. The lyrics suggest that those in positions of power are “too busy getting rich to care,” emphasising the disconnect between profit-driven motives and the health of the environment. The line “Hoping nobody else would care” highlights a troubling indifference towards the consequences of their actions, reinforcing the theme of apathy among corporate leaders.
Call to awareness
The repeated refrain, “Look out any window,” serves as a rallying cry for listeners to engage with their surroundings and confront the harsh realities of the world. This invitation to “see what’s going on in the world around you” urges individuals to break free from complacency and acknowledge the pressing issues affecting the environment and society.
Bruce uses the imagery of “men too busy getting rich” as a critique of corporate culture that prioritises profit over sustainability. This line resonates with ongoing conversations about the impact of corporate decisions on the environment, drawing attention to the urgent need for ethical practices and accountability.
Struggles of the working class
The song continues with the story of “a man working on a boat,” who is “just trying to stay afloat.” This metaphor speaks to the struggles faced by those in industries reliant on natural resources, highlighting the challenges of maintaining livelihoods in the face of environmental change. The phrase “filling the nets is getting harder” illustrates the difficulties fishermen encounter as depletion of marine life escalates, further emphasising the urgent need for sustainable practices.
The lyrics suggest that “far away they bend the rules so secretly,” referencing the hidden practices of powerful individuals who exploit resources without regard for the consequences. The line “Hoping nobody else would see” reinforces the idea that those in power often operate under a veil of secrecy, enabling them to continue harmful practices without accountability.
Critique of leadership and inaction
As the song progresses, Bruce shifts the focus to political leaders who allow corporations to dictate policies that contribute to environmental harm. The phrase “Far away too many leaders let them get their way” reflects a critique of leadership that prioritises economic growth over environmental protection. The repetition of “Close their eyes and let it all out into the bay” conveys a sense of helplessness and frustration with leaders who fail to take action, suggesting that they are complicit in the degradation of the environment.
The refrain “Say they’ll clear it up another day” serves as a critique of procrastination in addressing environmental issues. It implies that promises of future action often go unfulfilled, perpetuating a cycle of neglect and disregard for urgent concerns.
Warnings against complacency
In the latter part of the song, Bruce issues several warnings, stating “Look out for the big boys / Telling you everything they’re gonna do.” This line critiques the deceptive rhetoric of those in power who assure the public of their intentions while failing to take meaningful action. The mention of the “fat cat builder man” transforming the land into a “wasteland” serves as a metaphor for unchecked development that prioritises profit over the preservation of nature.
The repeated phrase “Look out” acts as a clarion call, urging listeners to remain vigilant and aware of the motives behind corporate and political actions. The concluding lines about “the men who say it’s okay” evoke a sense of frustration towards those who downplay the severity of environmental issues, reinforcing the need for critical engagement with authority.
Summary
“Look Out Any Window” by Bruce Hornsby highlights the intersections of corporate greed, environmental degradation, and the importance of awareness. Through vivid imagery and relatable narratives, Bruce encourages listeners to confront the harsh realities of the world and acknowledge the consequences of inaction. The song serves as a powerful critique of those in power, urging individuals to remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable for their decisions. Ultimately, it calls for a collective responsibility to protect the environment and foster sustainable practices, reminding us that change begins with awareness and action.
Your further thoughts
Though I had been aware of The Way It Is for two years, it was actually Look Out Any Window and Valley Road, heard on radio sometime in 1988 at the age of 13, which actually drew me towards Bruce Hornsby’s work.
Whilst “The Way It Is” remains Bruce’s undoubtedly biggest selling and popular hit, I would nevertheless argue that Look Out any Window is probably the nearest Bruce gets to a mainstream pop single. This argument can be demonstrated in at least two ways.
First, in the lyrical theme. Bruce chooses to highlight the concern of environmental degradation at the hands of big business. By pointing a broad, sweeping accusatory finger at “Far away, men too busy getting rich to care”, he taps into a popular sentiment among young, concerned, (though invariably middle class) western teenagers. The song was written at a time just before concerns over the Ozone Layer and “Greenhouse Effect” were about to burst into major headline news stories. In the UK, the Green Party was about to hit an unprecedented 15% of the vote in the European Parliament Elections. The lyrics also tap into a wider sense of regional discontent at centralist government, or urban/rural divide: The valiant, subsistence labourers – “There’s a man working in a field” and “There’s a man working in a boat” – against the likes of the “Big boys telling you everything they’re gonna do”, and “Fat cat builderman, turning this into a wasteland”.
Second, we can point to the musical arrangement as conforming to some of the popular norms of the late 80s. Here we have a very tight, structured harmony. Based on standard folk/country 4th or 5th interval harmonies, they certainly won’t offend mainstream tastes. Furthermore, there is consistent use of a structured, pop-oriented pre-programmed drum rythym right the way through.
The use of fade at the end of the song also conforms to the “Stock, Aitken & Waterman”- led formula so apparent between 1986-89.
Whilst these comments sound implicitly critical, that is not their intention. Bruce developed a single which, while based on the norms of 1988, could also involve his own individuality (note the piano solo in the middle, which involves an up-beat, feel-good, 9-chord modulation back down to “Far away, too many leaders let ‘em get their way…”)
So, regardless that I was two years behind everyone else, and despite the mass popularity of The Way It Is, I will fondly regard Look Out Any Window as my “first Bruce Hornsby record”.
Carwyn Tywyn, February 8 2000
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Look Out Any Window
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Winterthur, Switzerland
Solo show; soundboard
December 16 1995
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