The Garden Of Allah

Don Henley's 'The Garden Of Allah' is a scathing critique of contemporary society, wrapped in a narrative that blends biblical allegory with modern disillusionment. The song opens with a juxtaposition of fashion's prominence against the decline of rock and roll, setting the stage for a broader commentary on societal values. Henley paints a picture of a world where crimes of passion are overlooked, and the collective soul is in a state of darkness. This bleak landscape is further emphasized by the appearance of a mysterious stranger, who seems to embody the devil or a fallen angel, warning of the moral decay in 'Gomorrah-By-The-Sea,' a metaphor for modern society.

The stranger's monologue reveals a nostalgia for a time when moral lines were clear, and creativity was celebrated without corruption. References to literary figures like Fitzgerald and Huxley evoke a golden age of intellectualism, now tarnished by the pursuit of power and materialism. The 'Garden of Allah' symbolizes a paradise lost, where the purity of ideas has been replaced by manipulation and deceit. The stranger's lament about the current state of affairs—where there is 'no wrong, no right' and truth is merely data to be manipulated—highlights the pervasive cynicism and moral ambiguity of the modern age.

Henley’s lyrics also touch on the commercialization of culture, where even notoriety is confused with fame, and the marketplace thrives on soulless opportunism. The devil's downheartedness at having nothing left to claim underscores the extent of humanity's moral bankruptcy. The imagery of rotten fruit and the serpent in the Garden of Allah serves as a powerful metaphor for the corruption and decay that have infiltrated what was once pure and sacred. Through this song, Henley delivers a poignant and thought-provoking critique of a society that has lost its way, urging listeners to reflect on their values and the true cost of progress.