A New Song: What Will it Take?

My first actual song, not score, not arrangement, my first rock song in 15 years. Inconsolable grief started rolling over me like a dark tide on Friday and wouldn't let up until I started writing on Sunday. This song is the result. I'll try and post a recording in the next few days. Check back then.

Note: Recording is taking much longer than I'd hoped but I'm making slow progress. I've made small but important changes to the lyrics in the bridge. I left the original as strikethrough so that you can see the changes. I hope to have a basic guitar and vocal track posted in the next 24 hours.

What Will it Take?

music and lyrics by Rich McCracken, copyright 2012

It would break your heart if you let it,
and it cuts right through the bone
while the distant sound of the siren screams
pierce through your dreams at home.

There’s a ticket that will not be taken,
an empty seat waits through the years.

For the gun has found it can turn the sound
 of laughter to dust and tears.

What will it take?
What will you give
to turn back the tide of hate,
to learn how to live and let live?

When the Christians are no longer Christ-like
and their fruits nourish like stone,
and the Pope sings lies covering backstage cries
from the boys on his horny throne.
Talking heads poison our air
for dollars soaking in blood,
entertaining those lacking heart to hear
the cries of those seeking love

What will it take?
What would you give
to turn back the tide of hate,
to learn how to live and let live?

So the frightened keep buying more guns,
hoping they will be left alone,

‘til their fear flooding out,
brings more fear terror and more doubt.
leaving shattered lives, shattered homes.
Who can live in a killing zone?

What will it take?

What would you give
to turn back the tide of hate,
to learn how to live and let live?

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