Timber!
[Verse 1]
Man came with axe in hand
Didn’t seem to understand
A stand of trees like these
Overcome by Man’s disease
[Break]
Timber!
[Chorus]
Timber! Makes a spine shiver
All to supply and deliver
To the primate climate machine
There goes the dream…
[Bridge]
The American dream
Fraying at the seams
Can anyone save our scene?
[Verse 2]
Man came sawed what he saw
Doubt hell will ever thaw
Frozen over by Man’s endeavor
Now, hits home more than ever
[Break]
Timber!
[Chorus]
Timber! Makes a spine shiver
All to supply and deliver
To the primate climate machine
There goes the dream…
[Bridge]
The American dream
Fraying at the seams
Can anyone save our scene?
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Hammond B3 Organ]
[Verse 3]
Man set the world on fire (on fire)
Situation’s turned quite dire (quite dire)
Still, Man caries on (and on)
Since sense is no longer common (come on!)
[Break]
Timber!
[Chorus]
Timber! Makes a spine shiver
All to supply and deliver
To the primate climate machine
There goes the dream…
[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Piano]
[Outro]
The American dream
Fraying at the seams
Can anyone save our scene?
[End]
A SCIENCE LESSON
Plants are in a precarious position. At the hands of Man, vegetation can not escape. There is no way to run. There is no way to hide. After Man conquers, they die.
Penn’s Sylvania
Pennsylvania derives its name from the land grant bestowed upon William Penn. Penn’s grant, known as “sylvania,” translates to “forest” in Latin. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the region was predominantly covered by vast expanses of dense forests, with a wide range of biodiversity and inhabited by indigenous peoples who relied on the land for sustenance and cultural practices.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, European settlers began to clear land for agriculture and settlement, leading to widespread deforestation in Pennsylvania. The demand for timber and wood products grew rapidly as the population expanded and industries such as shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing developed. Logging became a prominent economic activity in Pennsylvania, with vast quantities of timber harvested. By the 19th century, Pennsylvania had become one of the leading timber-producing states in the United States, with extensive logging operations throughout the region. The emergence of the lumber industry brought prosperity to many communities but also led to widespread environmental degradation, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of watershed systems.
As concerns grew over the sustainability of logging practices and the conservation of natural resources, efforts were made to regulate and manage forest resources more effectively. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the conservation movement gained momentum, leading to the establishment of state and federal agencies tasked with overseeing forestry and conservation efforts.
A Troubling Decline
In Pennsylvania, the once lush and verdant tree canopy is now facing a troubling decline, as the old growth trees succumb to the relentless pressures of human activities. The consequences of this ecological imbalance reverberate through the forest, as vines empowered by the thinning canopy are able to reach higher.
As these vines ascend to new heights, they cover and kill the venerable trees below. The intricate balance of nature is disrupted, as the loss of the old growth trees impacts biodiversity, soil stability, and wildlife habitats.
The gradual encroachment of vines into the upper reaches of the forest canopy represents a poignant symbol of the broader environmental challenges facing Pennsylvania and beyond. It serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the urgent need for stewardship and conservation to preserve the natural wonders that enrich our lives.
Overall, climate change is reshaping the environmental, social, and economic landscapes of temperate zones in the United States, underscoring the need for proactive measures to mitigate its impacts and enhance resilience in affected regions. Regrettably, trees find themselves rooted in their temperate zones, unable to embark on the migratory journeys undertaken by some other species to seek refuge in more hospitable environments.