The half/three quarter finished lyrics in progress got pushed back again by the emergence of this one from the left field this morning. Based loosely on a first-hand experience from a veteran of 28 – he was 20 at the time – I heard him speaking in a BBC programme a couple of years ago and his story resonated and stuck. The situation and location were different but the shooting and his search for redemption are similar… and I suppose I felt the need to express it as best as I could. 😐
This is part of my FAWM (February Is Album Writing Month) an international songwriters challenge – extended by necessity to the end of March – 14 in all, from different genres and styles, so nearly there.8-)
Dai.
[b]The Moment
V1[/b].
Patrolling in the desert, near Basra, South Iraq
I sidled up a small dune, with the sun behind my back
We had stopped for a rest break and I needed to relieve
So I walked into the desert on the eve of Christmas Eve
[b]V2.[/b]
With my rifle on my shoulder, I smiled when I was done
Then a young man swung around the dune and that young man held a gun
I had first sight advantage but his gun was in his hand
We had ourselves a showdown, in a sand-filled no-man?s land
[b]Chorus:[/b]
I had the licence: I was a soldier after all
At the time that didn?t matter, at the time all I recall
Is the instant of a moment and in the truth that moment said
That at the ending of that moment, a young man would be dead
[b]V3.[/b]
My rifle snaked from my shoulder and I shouted a command
?On your knees and drop your gun? and I thought he?d understand
But he stood there and he smiled at me, as if he hadn?t heard
Then he raised his other hand in peace and he calmly scratched his beard
[b]V4.[/b]
?Shako Mako? he said to me lyrically, like a chorus from a song
Close to the truth ?cos I later learned it meant ?What?s Going On?
Then his smile stopped and his gaze dropped, to the gun down at his side
Then he looked back up, sadly shook his head but his eyes were open wide
[b]Chorus:[/b]
I had the licence: I was a soldier after all
At the time that didn?t matter, at the time all I recall
Is the instant of a moment and in the truth that moment said
That at the ending of that moment, a young man would be dead
[b]Bridge:[/b]
These days I?m a kind of a cowboy, I took a job out on a ranch
At the weekends I?m a preacher, in an offshoot of a branch
And I?m seeking my redemption but I don?t know how to start
See that young Iraqi?s not the only one with a hole straight through his heart
[b]Chorus/Tag:[/b]
I had the licence: I was a soldier after all
At the time that didn?t matter, at the time all I recall
Is the instant of a moment and in the truth that moment said
That at the ending of that moment? two young men would be dead
