She came from Providence, 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
Spoke about the red man's way, how they loved 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 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
Too light their neon ways, give 'em things to do
Some rich man came and raped the land, Nobody caught him
Put up a bunch of ugly boxes, and Jesus people bought 'em
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 Lahaina
Just like the missionaries did, so many years ago
They even brought a neon sign, Jesus is coming
They brought the white mans burden down
Brought the white mans reign
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, To 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 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