She came from providence, 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. She heard about a place, people were smiling Spoke about the red mans way, the howling of the land They came from everywhere, to the Great Divide Seeking a place to stay, or a place to hide. Down in the crowded bars, out for a good time Can't wait to tell you all, what it's like up there They call it Paradise, I don't know why Somebody laid the mountains low, while the tide got high. Then the chilly winds blew down, across the desert Through the canyons out the coast, to the Malibu Where the pretty people play, hunting for power Too like them in your ways, give 'em things to do Some rich man came and wrecked the land Nobody caught him They call it paradise, the place to be They watched the hazy sun, sinking in the sea You can leave it all behind and sail to Ohio Just like the missionaries did, so many years ago But even down in the outside, Jesus is coming He bought the white mans burden down He bought the white mans ring Who will provide the grand design..what is yours and what ismine Cause there is no more new frontier, We have got to make it here, satisfy your endless needs And justify your bloody deeds In the name of destiney, In the name of God And you can see them there, on a Sunday morning Stand up and sing about, what it's like up there They call it Paradise, I don't know why Call some place Paradise, Kiss it goodbye