A Song for the Silent

OK today’s post is a little different and a tad scarey to be sharing!  Some of you may or may not know that I write songs as a hobby. Over the last few months I have been reading lot – books, The Conversation, I’ve shelled out money to get the Climate Council back in action in Australia after it was shut down as soon as Tony Abbott assumed office, I’ve had contractors in the Philippines affected by Typhoon and the flooding that preceded in the months prior and I’ve attended one of the largest climate rally’s in Australian history in Melbourne.  So I have had lots to think about and act on my beliefs which, prior to this year, I hadn’t done since I was a kid living over in PNG where my Dad worked as a volunteer doctor for 3 years.  For a long time I forgot that I actually stood for something and so it has been nice to rediscover that part of my humanity post corporate-life.

I’m not usually a massive fan of overtly political songs which is why I have tried to keep this one fairly nondescript.  Its ultimately about any scenario of the powerful vs. the powerless – whether in government, business, school or relationships.  My partner is a music producer and a song recording was a belated birthday present.  This is the first song of my own that I have ever had recorded properly.  Hope it speaks to you in some way. (if you can’t see the embedded player below, go here to listen)

LYRICS

V1
Let’s say we let it go
Let’s say it all came crashing down
Let’s say we planned it all
Let’s say its no mistake of ours

Let’s deny it. Let us hide it
Let’s pretend the worlds ok
Let’s say defeat it, not really mean it
Let’s do anything
Never be responsible

CHORUS
And if you stay silent
You’re no better than them
Swing words as your swords
Use your hearts as an emblem

You’ve been fraught with it
You’ve been caught in it
You’ve been hauled through it
You’ve been lost in it
But no more

V2
Let’s promise everything
Let’s give them nothing in return
Let’s set their fear alight
Let’s fake sympathy and concern

Let’s be liars. Let them buy it
Those stupid people never ever learn
Let’s say its all their fault
Let’s say it’s them that don’t belong

CHORUS
And if you stay silent
You’re no better than them
Swing words as your swords
Use your hearts as an emblem

You’ve been fraught with it
You’ve been caught in it
You’ve been hauled through it
You’ve been lost in it x2

Let’s promise everything
Let’s give them nothing in return

Copyright 2013 Michelle Bourke