Last Of A Dying Breed
Neil Young · Other Songs - Neil Young
Was the last of a dying breed
Living off the land
And taking what he needs
Don't say much for the future
When a family can't survive
I'd hate to say the farmer
Was the last of his kind.
In the struggle for parity
Not one man's voice can sound
Cause the foundation
of the conglomerate
Is firmly in the ground.
Yeah, they want to feed the world
But for power and for greed
Then they'll cut off the supply
Until they get what they need.
Well I dreamed I saw a dust bowl
Where the farmers used to live
Earth was flying through the sky
It had nothing left to give
Tractors were burning
On the Whitehouse lawn
Just woke up one morning
And the farmers all were gone
I hate to say the farmer
Was the last of a dying breed
Living off the land
And taking what he needs.
Don't say much for the future
When a family can't survive.
I'd hate to say the farmer
Was the last of his kind.
Don't say much for the future
When a family can't survive.
I'd hate to say the farmer
Was the last of his kind.
Last Of A Dying Breed
Neil Young's "Last Of A Dying Breed" stands as a haunting testament to the erosion of the American West, capturing the spirit of a vanishing frontier. Recorded during the late 1960s, the track exemplifies Young's signature blend of folk-rock and acoustic storytelling, utilizing sparse instrumentation to underscore themes of environmental loss and cultural displacement. The song reflects a period where Young began to explore the ecological and social changes threatening rural landscapes, moving beyond simple nostalgia to a more urgent commentary on preservation. As part of his extensive discography, this recording remains a poignant example of his ability to weave personal narrative with broader societal concerns, resonating with listeners who recognize the enduring relevance of protecting natural heritage.