Muir And The Master Builder

Dick Gaughan's song "Muir And The Master Builder" is a poetic tribute to John Muir, the renowned naturalist and environmental philosopher. The lyrics delve into the paradoxical origins of Muir, questioning how a man born to a harsh and unforgiving father could grow into a figure of such profound love for nature. The song suggests that Muir's transformation was a divine act, orchestrated by a higher power—the Master Builder—who saw potential in the 'uncommon clay' of Muir's character. This divine intervention is portrayed as a whisper on the high Sierra wind, guiding Muir to become a hero for the natural world.

The song juxtaposes the rigid Calvinist upbringing Muir experienced in Dunbar, Scotland, with the liberating and spiritual connection he found in the wilderness of California. The 'Redwood Cathedral' symbolizes a more enlightened and benevolent deity, contrasting sharply with the stern religious teachings of his father. This shift from a punitive to a nurturing spiritual environment is depicted as essential for Muir's development into a 'redwood of flesh, blood, and bone,' a metaphor for his towering influence and unwavering dedication to conservation.

Gaughan's lyrics also ponder the 'what ifs' of Muir's life, questioning whether he would have achieved the same greatness had he remained in Scotland. The song paints a vivid picture of Muir standing among the redwoods, a man whose measure is taken against these natural giants. The imagery of Muir as a 'redwood of flesh, blood, and bone' filled with a 'passion so pure' underscores his role as a savior of the natural world, a hero crafted by the Master Builder to protect the mountains and forests that no one can ever truly own.