"Pastoral Angst" is a song by John Cale and Bob Neuwirth that reflects on the state of California and the human condition within it. The lyrics depict California as a place of beginnings and endings, symbolized by the gold rush which marked the state's history. The song suggests that when a place becomes overcrowded with people, negative qualities such as intolerance, contempt, rigidity, tension, and distrust emerge. These sentiments give rise to various emotions and behaviors including sarcasm, anxiety, envy, hate, cynicism, discontent, self-pity, malice, suspicion, jealousy, and snobbishness. However, the lyrics also highlight that from this turmoil, art is born. The arts, including poetry, painting, sculpture, dance, music, literature, and photography, are shown as forms of expression that arise from and reflect the human experience. The line "Art will break your heart, so what? So will a good meal" suggests that art, like any deeply felt experience, can evoke intense emotions. The lyrics emphasize that art is not for everyone. It is not a universal taste or interest. The song critiques the current era where celebrity is mistaken for talent, ambition for genius, and style for content. It suggests that people often focus more on themselves, seeking self-justification, self-righteousness, and self-obsession. These self-centered tendencies contrast with the true essence of art, which seeks to go beyond the surface and explore deeper truths. Overall, "Pastoral Angst" reflects on the complex nature of California and human society at large. It explores the duality of negative emotions and the transformative power of art, while pointing out the pitfalls of self-centeredness and the need to look beyond oneself.
