The Island

They say the skies of Lebanon are burning
Those mighty cedars bleeding in the heat
They're showing pictures on the television
Women and children dying in the street
Now we're still at it in our own place
Still trying to reach the future through the past
Still trying to carve tomorrow from a tombstone

But hey don't listen to me

This wasn't meant to be no sad song
I've heard too much of that before
Right now I only want to be here with you
Till the morning dew comes falling
I want to take you to the island
And trace your footprints in the sand
And in the evening when the sun goes down
We'll make love to the sound of the ocean

They're raising banners over by the markets
White-washing slogans on the shipyard walls
Witch doctors praying for a mighty showdown
No way a holy flag is going to fall
Up here we sacrifice our children
To feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday
And teach them dying will lead them into glory

But hey don't listen to me

This wasn't meant to be no sad song
I've sung too much of that before
Right now I only want to be here with you
Till the morning dew comes falling
I want to take you to the island
And trace your footprints in the sand
And in the evening when there's no one around
We'll make love to the sound of the ocean

Now I know us plain folks don't see all the story
I know that peace and love's just copping out
I guess these young boys dying in the ditches
Is just what being free is all about
This twisted wreckage down on Main Street
Will bring us all together in the end
And we'll go marching down the road to freedom