This is a song about an actual drug deal gone awry in Topanga Canyon in the 1970s. However, according to Neil Young's bio "Shakey", it's also a more personal lament to his departed friends Danny Whitten and Bruce Berry. Asking them to "open up the tired eyes" is pleading with them to become undead.
This is a song about an actual drug deal gone awry in Topanga Canyon in the 1970s. However, according to Neil Young's bio "Shakey", it's also a more personal lament to his departed friends Danny Whitten and Bruce Berry. Asking them to "open up the tired eyes" is pleading with them to become undead.