Recorded using my Rainsong 12-string
Notes: Dives (pronounced DI-Vees), from the Latin, meaning "a rich man". In "The Peace of Dives" Kipling argued that economic ties would make future war impractical, because everyone's economy was tied to everyone else's. (that was in 1903 - swing and a miss Rudyard.)
Obvious references to Earth Abides (1949) by George R. Stewart, one of the very early post apocalyptic novels.
Ecclesiastes 1:4 - One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. (in the novel Stewart simply says, Men go and come, but Earth Abides)
Have we reached the Peace of Dives,
Well that's not a bet I would take,
The more complicated the system,
the easier it can all break.
And no one can construct a pencil,
But I can cut a quill pen,
And if you plan on rebuilding,
Might want to think of that then.
'Cause the Earth Abides,
Whatever ill man betides,
Yes the Earth Abides
Ever the Earth Abides
Whatever the form of destruction,
War or rocks from the sky,
Some novel plague or disaster,
The Earth doesn't care if you die.
And when the power fails,
can you rebuild it then?
And when the water fails,
The same question once again.
'Cause the Earth Abides,
Whatever ill man betides,
Men come, they go,
Always the Earth Abides.
If you need me I'll be in my garden
growing whatever I can,
preparing for some unknown future
the rise or collapse of man.
And maybe we're in this together,
at least that's what they always say,
But no matter the size of disaster.
The planet goes on either way.
'Cause the Earth Abides,
Whatever ill man betides,
Yes the Earth Abides
Ever the Earth Abides
@writeandwrong Feb 2022
Your guitar playing reminded me of Stairway to Heaven. You raise valid current topics of needing to be growing our own foods because who knows what is going to happen in this unknown future. Many truths that bring contemplation in your lines. Excellent work on the challenge!
@wylddandelyon Feb 2022
Very nice. Yes, this is the problem with the "nature goes on" comfort-words, because nature is just fine with going on without polar bears and butterflies, and without us.
@gmcgath Feb 2022
There are a lot of post-apocalyptic songs, but this is a pre-apocalyptic song. We need more of those for balance.
I think Kipling's prediction is coming true, just not as quickly as he had hoped. This assumes Russia hasn't invaded Ukraine or China Taiwan since the last time I checked the news.