Rachel Carson

bryn battani

I like to think about the afternoon
It's so familiar and it's warm and soon
I zone out an hour and ‘fore I know it—I’m through!
To an apple tree to enjoy.

I read Rachel Carson 'fore I go to bed
I ignore and dream it sweet instead
'Cause what's the point? You think I'd plan ahead
When I got me a brand new toy?

It's fun
To go to lunch
And take a walk in the park
Take a drive
'Til at the end of our lives,
We don't know how far we've gone.

I like to think about the afternoon
The afterlife is too long and far
The word “forever” is from a storybook
My laughing stock 'cause it’s false.

I read Rachel Carson 'fore I go to bed
Shut down my systematic nerves
I'd rather just ignore the consequence
I'm just a sanctuary bird.

It's fun
To go to lunch
And take a walk in the park
Take a drive
'Til at the end of our lives,
We don't know how far we've gone—

One step at a time, right?
History isn't soon.
Don't think about it 'cause
In half a century I’ll
Be one in a textbook,
Setting an example
Right?
This isn't 1962.
Don't think about it 'cause
In half a century I’ll
Be laughed at and admonished and mocked
By the kids in school.

It’s fun
To go to lunch
And take a look at the birds
Take a drive
'Til at the end of our lives,
We don't know how many we hurt.
It’s fun
To throw out crumbs
And think we're feeding the birds.
Then we realize
We are one of a kind
And we eat our bread with dirt.

BRYN BATTANI is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas. She currently studies songwriting at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. While attending high school, Bryn has played shows, festivals and open mics solo, as well as with her duo Verbena, accompanied by Kalie McManus. In 2018, Bryn recorded two singles at Estuary Recording backed by cellist Diana Burgess (of Mother Falcon) and guitarist Curtis McMurtry, both notable contributors to Austin’s music scene. Bryn's music has been described as ranging from “musical poetry” to “commentary on current and historical narratives" to “passive-aggressive petty pop.”

Artist Statement

"Rachel Carson" was inspired by Silent Spring, written by the titular biologist in 1962 on the effects of DDT. The song explores the consequences of indifference and the idea that, to quote Joni Mitchell, "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone."