The song “The Last Resort” is a powerful and thought-provoking masterpiece by the legendary American rock band, Eagles. Written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, it was released in 1976 as part of their album “Hotel California”. The song is a commentary on the impact of human development on the environment and the resulting consequences.
Verse One
“She came from Providence, the 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”
The first verse of “The Last Resort” introduces us to a female protagonist who left her hometown with high hopes and aspirations. She is described as someone who carried with her not only her belongings but also her dreams, moving away from a place that was once full of promise but now shrouded by darkness.
Chorus
“They call it paradise, I don’t know why
Call someplace paradise, kiss it goodbye”
The chorus of “The Last Resort” is simple yet powerful. It questions why people refer to certain places as paradise when they are responsible for destroying them. The line “kiss it goodbye” is poignant; it suggests that once something beautiful is lost, it can never be regained.
Verse Two
“They called it La Isla Bonita
And now nothing’s left but debris
Ain’t nothin’ left for you and me”
In the second verse, we learn that “La Isla Bonita”, which was once considered beautiful, has now become nothing more than ruins. The use of Spanish (La Isla Bonita translates to ‘the beautiful island’) adds depth to this verse; it highlights the fact that environmental destruction is a global issue that affects everyone, regardless of their language or culture.
Verse Three
“Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot”
The final verse of “The Last Resort” is perhaps the most well-known one. It speaks to the tendency of humans to only realize the value of something once it’s been taken away. The line “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” is a metaphor that perfectly encapsulates the central theme of this song – that we are losing our natural resources due to careless human activity.
The Message
“The Last Resort” is a wake-up call for all of us. It reminds us that we are responsible for preserving our environment, and if we don’t take action soon, we may end up losing everything we hold dear. The song encourages us to be more mindful of our actions and their impact on nature.
In Conclusion
“The Last Resort” is an example of how music can be used as a tool to raise awareness about social issues. The use of metaphors, imagery, and powerful lyrics make it not just a great song but also an anthem for environmentalists everywhere. It reminds us that we need to take care of our planet if we want future generations to enjoy its beauty as much as we have.