Ivory Tower

The Long Ryders' song 'Ivory Tower' delves into the theme of isolation and the false sense of security that comes with it. The lyrics describe a friend who lives in an 'ivory tower,' a metaphor for a sheltered and privileged existence. This friend is depicted as being protected from the harsh realities of life, insulated by power and control. However, this isolation comes at a cost, as it blinds her to the struggles and pains of the world around her. The repeated line 'Your ivory tower's falling down' serves as a warning that this false sense of security is unsustainable and will eventually crumble.

The song paints a vivid picture of someone who strolls down a 'rose lined lane' with her 'thoughts up in the air,' indicating a life of ease and detachment. Despite her claims of caring, she has never truly known pain, making her empathy superficial at best. The 'blinders' she wears symbolize her unwillingness or inability to see beyond her own privileged bubble. This imagery is powerful, as it highlights the disconnect between her perceived reality and the actual world.

The cautionary tone of the song is further emphasized by the lines 'Still you got to be careful / What you say to her.' This suggests that confronting her with the truth is a delicate matter, as she is not accustomed to facing criticism or hardship. The repetition of 'It's too late' underscores the inevitability of her downfall, as her insulated world is bound to collapse under the weight of its own ignorance. 'Ivory Tower' serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of living in a bubble, detached from the realities that shape the lives of others.