Members were Dave Yetton (bass), Gary Sullivan (Drums), David Mulcahy & Jim Laing added guitars “with roughly six strings”.
Since the demise of JPSE the members have been involved in a number of other NZ bands; Superette, The Stereo Bus, Pine & Lanky
See: http://www.muzic.net.nz/artists/705.html
Window
The Jean-Paul Sartre Experience Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Window of past time
A lumber mill moved south to a little town
At the base of the mountain
There was gold in the form of trees
For work for the families
Grandpa was there
To this small mountain town of trees
They worked to build the mill
Then they ran the first log through the saw
Succeeding a start and the whistle blew
Oh oh oh the burner burned
Embers would fly into the night sky
Once I was told looks like millions of fireflies
Through the window of time the burner burned
Through the window the burner burned
The town bustled on and grew
And everyone had work
Homes were built
And a school was built up on the hill
This is our history
There was gold in the hills in the form of trees
Lumber built communities
The forest needed thinning
Fuel for a wildfire was building
Sun came in small trees began growing
Oh oh oh the burner burned
Embers would fly into the night sky
Once I was told looks like millions of fireflies
Through the window of time the burner burned
Through the window the burner burned
The loggers just did their job
Then they had to pay
What went on in politics
Can anyone really say
Can there be a balance
Between the forest and the people of the day?
Tending to it's needs for our future ways
The final day came
They blew the whistle long and closed the doors
What do these men do they walk the floor
The mill was taken down in bits and pieces
Torn at the seams
Sheetmetal roofs and windows
And old growth timber beams
Where do these things go
Can they be used again
The tools and saws their use comes to an end
Many years down the road
These things are gone and absorbed
There's a sawblade on the wall in an antique store
Oh oh oh the burner burned
Embers would fly into the night sky
Once I was told looks like millions of fireflies
Through the window of time the burner burned
Through the window the burner burned
North Fork has a new beginning
It's slowly on the mend
The business the arts renewal
It's happening already
The will of the people
Are keeping a strong community
Newcomers here as unity
The quiet country town
With the best snow-capped mountain views
Shuteye Peckinpah ridge too
Oh oh oh the burner burned
Embers would fly into the night sky
Once I was told looks like millions of fireflies
Through the window of time the burner burned
Through the window the burner burned
Through the window the burner burned
The lyrics of "Window" by The Jean-Paul Sartre Experience tell a poignant story that delves deep into the passage of time and the evolution of a town through the perspective of a window. The repetitive chorus of "Through the window the burner burned" serves as a symbolic refrain that encapsulates the overarching themes of change, progress, and reflection throughout the song.
The narrative unfolds through vivid imagery of a lumber mill moving to a small town nestled at the base of a mountain, where the promise of prosperity and opportunity lies within the abundant resources of the surrounding forest. The memories of the past are vividly portrayed through the experiences of a family, specifically the grandfather who made the pivotal decision to relocate his loved ones to this new setting for a better life.
As the town grows and thrives, fueled by the industry of logging and the construction of homes and schools, the lyrics paint a picture of a community coming together to build a legacy rooted in the natural wealth of the land. However, amidst the bustling activities and the rhythmic sounds of the mill, questions of sustainability and balance between human needs and environmental preservation begin to surface, hinting at the complexities of progress and its repercussions.
The passage of time is skillfully reflected in the gradual decline and closure of the mill, symbolizing the end of an era and the shift towards a new chapter in the town's history. The dismantling of the mill piece by piece echoes a sense of loss and transformation, as the relics of once-bustling industry are relegated to the past, memorialized only in antique stores and fading memories.
The song concludes with a note of hope and renewal as the town of North Fork embarks on a new beginning, embracing change and embracing a sense of community that transcends the cycles of industry and progress. The imagery of snow-capped mountains and a resilient population rebuilding and revitalizing their town captures a sense of resilience and optimism in the face of inevitable change, mirroring the eternal cycle of growth and transformation depicted through the window of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Through the window through the window
Reflecting on the past through a clear perspective
Window of past time
Looking back at historical events and memories
A lumber mill moved south to a little town
The migration of industry to a small community
At the base of the mountain
Establishing roots in a natural setting
There was gold in the form of trees
Recognizing the value of timber resources
For work for the families
Providing employment opportunities for locals
Grandpa was there
Highlighting generational involvement in the industry
He moved his family from a northern town
Relocating for new opportunities in the south
To this small mountain town of trees
Embracing a community centered around forestry
They worked to build the mill
Contributing to the construction of the lumber facility
Then they ran the first log through the saw
Initiating production at the mill
Succeeding a start and the whistle blew
Achieving a successful beginning with a symbolic gesture
Oh oh oh the burner burned
Describing the industrial process of burning wood
Embers would fly into the night sky
Visualizing the sparks and smoke from the burning process
Once I was told looks like millions of fireflies
Recalling a childhood memory of the burning embers
The town bustled on and grew
Portraying the thriving development of the community
And everyone had work
Economic stability through job opportunities
Homes were built
Expanding the residential infrastructure of the town
And a school was built up on the hill
Investing in education and community resources
This is our history
Acknowledging the shared past of the community
Lumber built communities
Highlighting the role of the timber industry in shaping society
The forest needed thinning
Recognizing the importance of sustainable forestry practices
Fuel for a wildfire was building
Addressing the risk of forest fires due to excess fuel
Sun came in small trees began growing
The regeneration of forests after harvesting
The loggers just did their job
Professional dedication to the logging tasks
Then they had to pay
Acknowledging the consequences of environmental impact
What went on in politics
Questioning the influence of political decisions on industry
Can anyone really say
Reflecting on the uncertainty of policy outcomes
Can there be a balance
Considering the need for sustainability in resource management
Between the forest and the people of the day?
Exploring the relationship between nature and society
Tending to it's needs for our future ways
Caring for the environment to ensure future prosperity
They blew the whistle long and closed the doors
Ending the mill operation with a final signal
What do these men do they walk the floor
Reflecting on the impact of job loss on workers
The mill was taken down in bits and pieces
Dismantling the industrial facility piece by piece
Torn at the seams
Symbolizing the end of an era in the community
Sheetmetal roofs and windows
Recalling the architectural elements of the mill
And old growth timber beams
Recognizing the valuable wood used in construction
Where do these things go
Questioning the fate of the dismantled components
Can they be used again
Considering the potential for reusing materials
The tools and saws their use comes to an end
Highlighting the retirement of industrial equipment
Many years down the road
Reflecting on the passage of time since the mill closure
These things are gone and absorbed
Acknowledging the disappearance of the mill artifacts
There's a sawblade on the wall in an antique store
Preserving a piece of industrial history as a keepsake
North Fork has a new beginning
Embracing a fresh start for the town
It's slowly on the mend
Recovering and healing from past challenges
The business the arts renewal
Revitalizing the economy and cultural scene
It's happening already
Witnessing positive changes taking place
The will of the people
Empowering community members to drive progress
Are keeping a strong community
Maintaining a cohesive and resilient town
Newcomers here as unity
Welcoming new residents to strengthen the community
The quiet country town
Appreciating the rural charm of the town
With the best snow-capped mountain views
Enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains
Shuteye Peckinpah ridge too
Naming local geographical landmarks and attractions
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Jean Butterfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind