She came from Providence, one in Rhode Island, where the old world shadows hang heavy in the air. She bagged her hopes and dreams like a refugee, just as her father came across the sea. She heard about a place where people were smiling, spoke about the red man's ways, and how they loved the man. 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. They call it paradise, I don't know why. Somebody laid the mountains low, while the town got high. And 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. Different things to do. Some rich men came and raked the land, nobody caught up. Put up a bunch of ugly boxes, Jesus, people bought it. They called it paradise, the place to be. They watched the hazy sun, sink in the sea. Oh, oh, oh, oh We can leave it all behind And sail to Lahaina Just like the missionaries did So many years ago They even brought a neon sign That said, Jesus is coming Brought the white man's burden down Brought the white man's rain 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 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 They stand up and sing about What it's like up there And they call it paradise I don't know why Because I'm glazed paradise Kissing goodbye Oh, oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh, oh Applause And here's how it all started