The Shame

A million times I've looked at the tides
But never before have I found myself blinded
By the cold burning tears of anger and pity
And shame

For lying before me is a tiny young life
Ended by years of hatred and crime
Killed by indifferent fanatic religious divides

They crept out of hiding and ran for their lives
Too young for the fighting, too young to take sides
Their hope for the future
Washed up there in the brine

It's important to note that the waters they choked in
Were international
They'd pinned all their hopes on
The rumours of Eden
The promise of freedom we gave

But the door you'd left open
Was slammed in their face
I'm full of self-loathing it's a common disgrace
As a world we do nothing
But silently let them die

So tell me my friend does the future look rosy
Do you sleep well in bed, safe warm and cosy
Do you hope someone finds a solution overnight

And tell me again how history repeats
And how we could learn from all our mistakes
How you'd like to help
But sadly your hands are tied

With racists and bigots running countries and business
No real religions just misguided misfits
It's business as usual towing the party line

How proud you must feel
When you're cutting your deals
With arms manufacturers greasing the wheels
Selling bullets and bombs
To the men with the guns taking lives

So tell me my friend does the future look rosy
Do you sleep well in bed, safe warm and cosy
Do you hope someone finds a solution overnight
And tell me again how history repeats
And how we could learn from all our mistakes
How you'd like to help
But sadly you haven't the time