New Song
Posting here instead of facebook so I retain the rights and all.
I've been writing this for weeks, and I'm still not certain it says exactly what I want it to, but it's as close as I can seem to get it. The rhyme scheme seems funny written out, but it works to the music. Definitely more political than most of my songs. I've been thinking a lot about patriotism, pride and identity lately and not getting terribly far.
Also, I come back after a year plus to find my user icon especially ironic, as I had it long before inukshuit ever became the Olympic symbol. I'm leaving it because I still find it appropriate. They were meant to help people find their paths, after all.
Columbus 1492-Vancouver 2010
from the south, the snowbirds come
winging slickly across the earth
against the backdrop of money and sun
they’ve forgotten what winter’s worth
flying into BC, it looks so neat and clean
under five sparkling rings in the sky
‘cause the ugly and homeless have been shut away
it’s illegal to be alive
and the maple leaf flies high
but the cheering chokes me and I shut my eyes
‘cause I’m not sure anymore what I’m standing on guard for
but I used to be so proud
oh, I used to shout it out loud
yes, I used to be so proud of my home
and the Native dancers strut their stuff
VANOC says great, thanks, but now that’s enough
you got your attention, back to the reserve
we’ll call you the next time we need you to serve
well there is a true North, and it’s strong but not free
it won’t be ‘til there’s Inuit equality
restorative justice should not be a fight
but it’s unpatriotic to call for what’s right
tell me how much should a maple leaf mean
to a Pond Inlet boy who’s never seen a tree
and does that make him less Canadian than me?
well, we used all the land as our own
hope you don’t mind, it’s on permanent loan
‘cause we built up our cities and now it’s our home
this maple leaf is supposedly mine
I ought to wear it and shine
but I can’t help wondering if there’s better uses for my time
like trying to raise my too quiet voice
on behalf of those who weren’t given a choice
who got handed a red and white flag and told to rejoice
yes, the maple leaf flies high
but history chokes me since I opened my eyes
and I’m not sure anymore what I’m standing on guard for
the maple sugar coat burns my tongue
the anthem tastes bitter like smoke from a gun
and I wonder will peace in my country ever come?
oh, I used to be so proud
I used to shout it out loud
and it’s confusing
because I still want to be proud of my home.
www.no2010.com
I've been writing this for weeks, and I'm still not certain it says exactly what I want it to, but it's as close as I can seem to get it. The rhyme scheme seems funny written out, but it works to the music. Definitely more political than most of my songs. I've been thinking a lot about patriotism, pride and identity lately and not getting terribly far.
Also, I come back after a year plus to find my user icon especially ironic, as I had it long before inukshuit ever became the Olympic symbol. I'm leaving it because I still find it appropriate. They were meant to help people find their paths, after all.
Columbus 1492-Vancouver 2010
from the south, the snowbirds come
winging slickly across the earth
against the backdrop of money and sun
they’ve forgotten what winter’s worth
flying into BC, it looks so neat and clean
under five sparkling rings in the sky
‘cause the ugly and homeless have been shut away
it’s illegal to be alive
and the maple leaf flies high
but the cheering chokes me and I shut my eyes
‘cause I’m not sure anymore what I’m standing on guard for
but I used to be so proud
oh, I used to shout it out loud
yes, I used to be so proud of my home
and the Native dancers strut their stuff
VANOC says great, thanks, but now that’s enough
you got your attention, back to the reserve
we’ll call you the next time we need you to serve
well there is a true North, and it’s strong but not free
it won’t be ‘til there’s Inuit equality
restorative justice should not be a fight
but it’s unpatriotic to call for what’s right
tell me how much should a maple leaf mean
to a Pond Inlet boy who’s never seen a tree
and does that make him less Canadian than me?
well, we used all the land as our own
hope you don’t mind, it’s on permanent loan
‘cause we built up our cities and now it’s our home
this maple leaf is supposedly mine
I ought to wear it and shine
but I can’t help wondering if there’s better uses for my time
like trying to raise my too quiet voice
on behalf of those who weren’t given a choice
who got handed a red and white flag and told to rejoice
yes, the maple leaf flies high
but history chokes me since I opened my eyes
and I’m not sure anymore what I’m standing on guard for
the maple sugar coat burns my tongue
the anthem tastes bitter like smoke from a gun
and I wonder will peace in my country ever come?
oh, I used to be so proud
I used to shout it out loud
and it’s confusing
because I still want to be proud of my home.
www.no2010.com