Before the Gold Rush

(to Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush")

We all heed and seek the siren dollars calling
Leaving nothing but vapor scenes
Though it’s pleasant seeking
The current’s fleeting
Not an unsolved mystery
Say, is it worthwhile knowing,
Wizened ones
That the currency's a tease?
Simple human nature can’t outrun
All the purchased niceties
Simple human nature can’t outrun
All the purchased niceties

Were you looking for a full engagement
In the fool’s room in the sky?
Were you looking for amusement
All the sun beams you could buy?
Don’t understand clinging to what’s said
When you’ve dashed what’s been supplied.
Are you thinking the words that the prophets said:
“We’re just joking, it’s all a lie.”
Are you hoping the words that the prophets said:
“We’re just joking, it’s all a lie.”

When you see your gold and silver payments drying
Can you mellow, praise what was done?
All possessions dying
And no one's buying
Tell me then, will world be won?
Don’t be a dream, just be the means
For making all undone
Hear the last commandment’s simple plead
Be immune and don’t succumb
Hear the last commandment’s simple plead
Be immune and don’t succumb