The song "Buffalo Ballet" by John Cale tells the story of Abilene, a once vibrant and lively town. The lyrics create a vivid image of the town's past, characterized by thunder storms and roaming cattle. The people of Abilene used to sleep peacefully in the midday sun, reveling in the simplicity and beauty of their surroundings. However, things start to change as tracks are laid across the plain by broken old men in torrid rains, possibly representing the advent of industrialization and progress. As the town grows and develops, its people seem to lose their sense of contentment and remain stagnant. The song then alludes to soldiers arriving in Abilene, disrupting the peace and harming those who were still trying to sleep in the midday sun. This could symbolize the impact of war and conflict on the town and its inhabitants. The lyrics also mention the fleeting presence of wealth from gold, which brings both prosperity and suffering to the people of Abilene. They become overwhelmed by the materialistic pursuits and the pains that come along with it. Overall, "Buffalo Ballet" paints a melancholic picture of a town's decline and the loss of its once carefree spirit. The lyrics suggest that Abilene's downfall is a result of external influences and internal turmoil, ultimately leading to a state of sleepiness and indifference among its inhabitants.
