[Silence]
\n[Instrumental, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, Organ, Synth]
\n[Intro]
\n[Instrumental Intro: Dry Acoustic Guitar, Bouncy Bass, Tight Drums, Hammond Organ Stabs and Bright Analog Synth]
\n[Spoken Vocal]
\nBlack locust…<\/p>\n
(Lush lust)<\/p>\n
Sure…?<\/p>\n
(You’ll endure.)<\/p>\n
[Verse 1]
\nOut along the fence line
\nGrowing where it can
\nRoots down in the rocky soil
\nStanding where it stands<\/p>\n
Didn’t need permission
\nDidn’t need a plan
\nWind blew from the direction
\nOf where man made a stand<\/p>\n
[Refrain]
\nThe locust
\n(Is robust)
\nA thorn
\n(Thrust)<\/p>\n
A torn born<\/p>\n
[Chorus]
\nBlack locust!
\n(… into me you thrust!)<\/p>\n
Thorn upon the stem
\nTough enough to weather
\nWhat is thrown at them<\/p>\n
The locust
\n(Is robust)
\nA thorn
\n(Thrust)<\/p>\n
A torn born<\/p>\n
[Verse 2]
\nMaple in the garden
\nOak beside the way
\nSycamore and walnut
\nGrowing day by day<\/p>\n
Tulip poplar reaching
\nToward the open sky
\nEvergreen beside it
\nTake a breath… sigh (Sigh)<\/p>\n
[Instrumental]
\n[Electric Guitar Solo: Twangy Roots-Rock Lead With Hammond Organ, Banjo-Like Acoustic Picking, Bass and Driving Drums]<\/p>\n
[Bridge]
\nOne may struggle
\nOne may thrive<\/p>\n
Together
\nWe can keep ourselves alive<\/p>\n
[Rap Vocal Break]
\nThe locust
\n(Is robust)
\nA thorn
\n(Thrust)<\/p>\n
A torn born<\/p>\n
Poplar!
\n(Is popular)<\/p>\n
Watch it grow
\n(Watch it go, go, go)<\/p>\n
All ya need to know
\n(Watch it grow)
\nWatch it go, go, go
\n(go, go, go)<\/p>\n
[Breakdown]
\n[Music Drops to Acoustic Guitar, Bass and Light Percussion]
\nThe locust
\n(Is robust)
\nA thorn
\n(Thrust)<\/p>\n
A torn born<\/p>\n
The locust…<\/p>\n
… robust.<\/p>\n
[Whispered]
\nA thorn…<\/p>\n
Thrust…<\/p>\n
A torn born.<\/p>\n
[Final Refrain]
\nThe locust
\n(Is robust)
\nA thorn
\n(Thrust)<\/p>\n
A torn born<\/p>\n
[Outro]
\n[Instrumental Outro: Acoustic Guitar Picking, Warm Hammond Organ, Bass and Light Drums; Birdsong-Like Synth Motif Fades Into Wind]
\nThe locust…<\/p>\n
for life lust…<\/p>\n
A thorn…<\/p>\n
Thrust…<\/p>\n
[Spoken, fading]
\nLush… (with the locust)<\/p>\n
About the Song: Selecting Trees
\nA diverse mixture of trees provides the greatest resilience.<\/p>\n
Both deciduous and evergreen (conifer) species should be included whenever practical.<\/p>\n
Whenever possible, native species should be prioritized because they support local wildlife, require less maintenance, and are naturally adapted to regional conditions.<\/p>\n
Nature often contributes to the experiment as well. Birds, squirrels, and the wind frequently plant volunteer seedlings that can be transplanted into containers.<\/p>\n
During the Pennsylvania experiment, naturally occurring species included:
\n Black locust
\n Red and Japanese maples
\n Oak
\n Sycamore
\n Black walnut
\n Tulip poplar<\/p>\n
The Black Locust<\/b>
\nOne of the most promising candidates for future forests is the black locust. Reaching heights of up to 100 feet and lifespans of 75-90 years, black locusts combine durability, rapid growth, and climate resilience. Their wood is exceptionally strong — with a Janka hardness of approximately 1,700 lbf, rivaling or exceeding that of white oak and golden teak. Their natural resistance to rot, ability to recover from damage, and tolerance of heat and drought make them remarkably suited for 21st-century conditions. Black locust sprouts vigorously from stumps and roots after cutting or damage. As hardwoods that also fix nitrogen, locusts help rebuild soils damaged by erosion and extreme rainfall.<\/p>\n
The Silent Unraveling of Penn’s Sylvania<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The Birnam Wood Experiment: Moving Forests<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n