Introduction
A Song for Our Times: How “Turn Off the News and Build a Garden” by Lukas Nelson & Family Plants Seeds of Hope
In an age of nonstop headlines, fast-paced living, and digital distraction, a song like “Turn Off the News and Build a Garden” by Lukas Nelson & Family feels like a breath of fresh air—and perhaps even more, a gentle call back to what truly matters. This track, delivered with sincerity and warmth, offers not only a musical experience but a life philosophy rooted in simplicity, intention, and connection.
Lukas Nelson, the son of legendary Willie Nelson, has steadily carved out his own identity in the music world—not by chasing trends, but by digging deeper into the soil of truth, emotion, and shared human experience. This particular song stands out as a heartfelt invitation to disengage from the noise and invest in what is meaningful: family, community, creativity, and nature.
What makes “Turn Off the News and Build a Garden” so compelling isn’t just its melody—though it certainly has the easygoing charm of a classic Americana tune—it’s the message behind it. Lukas, joined by members of his musical family, brings a sense of unity and calm that resonates especially with listeners who have lived long enough to know that life’s richness often lies in the quiet, everyday moments. The lyrics are simple, yet powerful, speaking to a desire many share but struggle to act upon: to step away from the chaos and cultivate peace, both literally and metaphorically.
The song draws from folk, country, and roots rock traditions, blending thoughtful lyricism with a steady groove and organic instrumentation. It evokes memories of front porch conversations, early morning gardening, and the kind of love that grows stronger through presence, not perfection.
In a world that often feels divided and overwhelmed, Lukas Nelson & Family offer us a kind reminder: we don’t have to fix everything at once—we can start small. Maybe, just maybe, turning off the news and planting something real is one of the most radical and healing acts we can do today.
Video
Lyrics
I believe that every heart is kind
Some are just a little under-used
Hatred is a symptom of the times
Lost in these uneducated blues
I just want to love you while I can
All these other thoughts have me confused
I don’t need to try and understand
Maybe I’ll get up, turn off the news
Turn off the news and build a garden
Just my neighborhood and me
We might feel a bit less hardened
We might feel a bit more free
Turn off the news and raise your kids
Give them something to believe in
Teach them how to be good people
Give them hope that they can see
Hope that they can see
Turn off the news and build a garden with me
Trust builds trust
All that negativity’s a bust
Trust builds trust
Don’t you wanna be happy?
Turn off the news and build a garden
Just my neighborhood and me
We might feel a bit less hardened
We might feel a bit more free
Turn off the news and raise the kids
Give them something to believe in
Teach them how to be good people
Give them hope that they can see
Hope that they can see
Turn off the news and build a garden with me
Turn off the news and build a garden with me