You probably know of Andrew Revkin, New York Times DotEarth blog writer and Pace University senior fellow for environmental understanding… but you may not know about Andy Revkin, songwriter, musician, bard.

We’ve admired him for his tireless work as an environmental journalist, but now we’re smitten with him for his ability to tell stories on a broader range of topics in song. He’s a charming and humble bard with a great talent for songwriting.

Watch this fun video we captured while he was in the Green Diva Studio, where Andrew talks about what sustainability means to him. Plus, we get an exclusive take on his song, Liberated Carbon—a three-minute history of humanity’s energy choices—from his new CD A Very Fine Line! Check it out:

Music and lyrics by Andrew Revkin

While in the Green Divas Studio, Andrew joined us for a special Green Divas myEARTH360 Report segment. We talked about climate change, his meeting with Pope Francis, and lots more . . .

Take Action!

Watch the official Liberated Carbon video:

Liberated Carbon Lyrics

It took a thousand generations for our species to rise.
But gathering and hunting was no way to get by.

We yearned to burn more than dung and sticks.
Then someone came along and said, “Hey, try lighting this.”

He opened up the ground and showed us coal and oil.
He said, “Come liberate some carbon. It’ll make your blood boil.”

Liberated carbon, it’ll spin your wheels.
Liberated carbon it’ll nuke your meals.
Liberated carbon, it’ll turn your night to day.
Come on and liberate some carbon, babe, it’s the American way.

Now I got peat swamp fossils running my TV.
BP’s black label burns in my S.U.V.

We can light up the planet like a Christmas tree.
They say that things are getting hot but, hey, we’ve got A.C.

Liberated carbon, it’ll spin your wheels.
Liberated carbon it’ll nuke your meals.
Liberated carbon, it’ll turn your night to day.
Come on and liberate some carbon, babe, it’s the American way.

Bridge:

Pump those electrons and that gasoline.
No sweat or hurry, just turn on a machine.

We sent an army to the desert to keep this country free,
And to liberate some carbon, baby, for you and me…

Liberated carbon it’ll spin your wheels.
Liberated carbon, it’ll nuke your meals.
Liberated carbon, it’ll turn your night to day.
Come on and liberate some carbon, babe, it’s the American way.

Credits:
from A Very Fine Line, released 28 November 2013
Features Joe Johnson on electric guitar and Joel Diamond on keyboards. Also playing are Al Hemberger on bass and Ted Hemberger on drums. Al Hemberger and Motherlode provide harmonies. Andrew Revkin on guitar.