We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Fields

from Groovemeisting by Up in the Air

/

about

Written after reading an article about the risk of pesticide exposure that the farmworkers in the fields were being exposed to.
Our conga player, Victor, whose Mom had been involved with the United Farmworkers and Cesar Chavez early actions, really wanted to sing it. When his mom first heard the recording, she was moved to tears. Still remains one of the favorite songs that I've ever composed.

lyrics

Fields
written by John Beccia


Deep in Central Mexico, the figure of a man
At the ending of a planted field
Standing there subservantly, a flag held in his hand
A worker of the land, a life so real

CHORUS-The fields before him stretching
Far, as far as eye can see
Who knows what sickness he'll be catching
Then wonders how it came to be


In the distance low clouds rise, the heat is beating down
You can hear the hum though far away
Now the plane comes into veiw and flies close to the ground
A white mist trailing down, a steady spray
Repeat chorus


No protective clothes are worn, there's burning in his eyes
Herbicidal sweat upon his brow
Though his flag is badly torn, he waves it toward the skies
His vision blurry-eyed, his throat is sore
Repeat Chorus


Back at home he can't sit still, he walks across the floor
Stares down at the baby in the straw
Once again, he feels the chill, again he asks the Lord
"Why is the child deformed? The night is still.
Repeat Chorus

And wonders how it came to be..........

credits

from Groovemeisting, released March 1, 1989
John Beccia- nylon guitar
Mike "Doc" Lorenzo - bass
Victor Rocha- congas, lead vocal
Larry Hoffman - flute
Bobbie Smith- harmony vocal

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Up in the Air Santa Margarita, California

Up in the Air blends elements of structure and improvisation into musical styles as varied as folk, pop, dixieland, bluegrass, latin, and worldbeat. The result is a fresh and ultimately dancable musical experience with a conspicuously multi-cultural sound. Their original songs center on themes of social equity and justice, environmental consciousness, love, and respect for others. ... more

contact / help

Contact Up in the Air

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Up in the Air, you may also like: