Meaning and Lyrics of After the Gold Rush by Neil Young
Song Lyrics meaning of After the Gold Rush by Neil Young
About Neil Young
Neil Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician known for his distinctive voice and eclectic musical style. Born in 1945 in Toronto, Young embarked on a successful solo career and also found fame as a member of the legendary band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Throughout his career, he has explored various genres, including rock, folk, and country, and has been a prolific songwriter with a vast catalog of memorable songs.
One of Neil Young’s iconic songs is After the Gold Rush, which was released in 1970 as the title track of his third studio album. The song is known for its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, reflecting Young’s poetic songwriting style and introspective nature. It remains a beloved classic in his repertoire and a symbol of his enduring influence in the music industry.
Meaning of After the Gold Rush by Neil Young
“After the Gold Rush” by Neil Young is a captivating and thought-provoking song that delves into themes of environmentalism, societal unrest, and a yearning for change. The lyrics paint vivid imagery and evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection on the turbulent era of the 1970s.
In the first verse, Young describes a surreal scene where knights in armor, peasants, and drummers all converge, with Mother Nature depicted as fleeing from something. This imagery can be seen as a metaphor for the chaos and upheaval prevalent during the 1970s, a decade marked by social and political unrest.
The second verse takes a more introspective turn, with the narrator lying in a “burned out basement” under the gaze of the full moon. The yearning for something better is palpable as the sun bursts through, symbolizing hope and renewal. The reference to a band playing in the head and the desire to get high speaks to seeking escape or solace from the harsh realities of life.
The final verse introduces a futuristic element with the mention of silver spaceships flying amidst a yellow haze. Children crying and colors flying around the chosen ones evoke a sense of otherworldly and mystical imagery. The idea of “Flying Mother Nature’s silver seed to a new home in the sun” perhaps symbolizes a hope for a fresh start or a better future, free from the troubles and mistakes of the past.
Overall, “After the Gold Rush” can be interpreted as a reflection on the state of the world, a plea for environmental preservation, and a desire for transformation and renewal. Young’s poetic lyrics and haunting melody combine to create a timeless piece that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
In the first verse, Young describes a surreal scene where knights in armor, peasants, and drummers all converge, with Mother Nature depicted as fleeing from something. This imagery can be seen as a metaphor for the chaos and upheaval prevalent during the 1970s, a decade marked by social and political unrest.
The second verse takes a more introspective turn, with the narrator lying in a “burned out basement” under the gaze of the full moon. The yearning for something better is palpable as the sun bursts through, symbolizing hope and renewal. The reference to a band playing in the head and the desire to get high speaks to seeking escape or solace from the harsh realities of life.
The final verse introduces a futuristic element with the mention of silver spaceships flying amidst a yellow haze. Children crying and colors flying around the chosen ones evoke a sense of otherworldly and mystical imagery. The idea of “Flying Mother Nature’s silver seed to a new home in the sun” perhaps symbolizes a hope for a fresh start or a better future, free from the troubles and mistakes of the past.
Overall, “After the Gold Rush” can be interpreted as a reflection on the state of the world, a plea for environmental preservation, and a desire for transformation and renewal. Young’s poetic lyrics and haunting melody combine to create a timeless piece that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
Lyrics of After the Gold Rush by Neil Young
Verse 1
Well I dreamed I saw the knights in armor comin'
Sayin' something about a queen
There were peasants singin' and drummers drummin'
And the archer split the tree
There was a fanfare blowin' to the sun
That was floating on the breeze
Look at Mother Nature on the run
In the 1970s
Look at Mother Nature on the run
In the 1970s
Verse 2
I was lyin' in a burned out basement
With the full moon in my eyes
I was hopin' for replacement
When the sun burst through the sky
There was a band playin' in my head
And I felt like getting high
I was thinkin' about what a friend had said
I was hopin' it was a lie
Thinkin' about what a friend had said
I was hopin' it was a lie
Verse 3
Well, I dreamed I saw the silver space ships flyin'
In the yellow haze of the sun
There were children cryin' and colors flyin'
All around the chosen ones
All in a dream, all in a dream
The loadin' had begun
Flying Mother Nature's silver seed
To a new home in the sun
Flying Mother Nature's silver seed
To a new home
Well I dreamed I saw the knights in armor comin'
Sayin' something about a queen
There were peasants singin' and drummers drummin'
And the archer split the tree
There was a fanfare blowin' to the sun
That was floating on the breeze
Look at Mother Nature on the run
In the 1970s
Look at Mother Nature on the run
In the 1970s
Verse 2
I was lyin' in a burned out basement
With the full moon in my eyes
I was hopin' for replacement
When the sun burst through the sky
There was a band playin' in my head
And I felt like getting high
I was thinkin' about what a friend had said
I was hopin' it was a lie
Thinkin' about what a friend had said
I was hopin' it was a lie
Verse 3
Well, I dreamed I saw the silver space ships flyin'
In the yellow haze of the sun
There were children cryin' and colors flyin'
All around the chosen ones
All in a dream, all in a dream
The loadin' had begun
Flying Mother Nature's silver seed
To a new home in the sun
Flying Mother Nature's silver seed
To a new home
Discography Neil Young
Early Daze
Release: 2024-06-28
Label: Reprise
Popularity: 👏👏
1. Dance Dance Dance
2. Come On Baby Let’s Go Downtown
3. Winterlong
4. Everybody’s Alone
5. Wonderin’
6. Cinnamon Girl
7. Look At All the Things
8. Helpless
9. Birds
10. Down By the Rive
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Come On Baby Let’s Go Downtown
3. Winterlong
4. Everybody’s Alone
5. Wonderin’
6. Cinnamon Girl
7. Look At All the Things
8. Helpless
9. Birds
10. Down By the Rive
Fu##in' Up
Release: 2024-04-26
Label: Reprise
Popularity: 👏
1. City Life (Country Home)
2. Feels Like a Railroad (River of Pride) [White Line]
3. Heart of Steel (Fuckin’ Up)
4. Broken Circle (Over and Over)
5. Valley of Hearts (Love to Burn)
6. Farmer John
7. Walkin’ In My Place (Road of Tears) [Mansion On the Hill]
8. To Follow One’s Own Dream (Days That Used to Be)
9. A Chance on Love (Love and Only Love)
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Feels Like a Railroad (River of Pride) [White Line]
3. Heart of Steel (Fuckin’ Up)
4. Broken Circle (Over and Over)
5. Valley of Hearts (Love to Burn)
6. Farmer John
7. Walkin’ In My Place (Road of Tears) [Mansion On the Hill]
8. To Follow One’s Own Dream (Days That Used to Be)
9. A Chance on Love (Love and Only Love)
Before and After
Release: 2023-12-08
Label: Reprise
Popularity: 👏
1. I’m The Ocean
2. Homefires
3. Burned
4. On the Way Home
5. If You Got Love
6. A Dream That Can Last
7. Birds
8. My Heart
9. When I Hold You In My Arms
10. Mother Earth
11. Mr. Soul
12. Comes a Time
13. Don’t Forget Love
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Homefires
3. Burned
4. On the Way Home
5. If You Got Love
6. A Dream That Can Last
7. Birds
8. My Heart
9. When I Hold You In My Arms
10. Mother Earth
11. Mr. Soul
12. Comes a Time
13. Don’t Forget Love
Upcoming Events for Neil Young
NEIL YOUNG CRAZY HORSE: LOVE EARTH TOUR
Price Range: $64.5 – 304.5
Date: 2024-09-29
Location: Hollywood Bowl
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts
Price Range: $159.5 – 650
Date: 2024-09-23
Location: The Capitol Theatre
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts
Price Range: $159.5 – 650
Date: 2024-09-24
Location: The Capitol Theatre
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