FACE DOWN IN THE SNOW
(Words and music; Colin Reece)

From the album Well Kept Secrets by Colin Reece

The only real protest song I ever wrote.
Written during the early 80s when Greenham Common was covered with women
and Poland was covered with Russians.

 

Half a million tears have fallen, half a million cried

Half a reason, half way to treason, never knowing why

Did we join the chain together?

Did we bear the pain together?

Did we face the wind and the weather tetherless?

But have you seen the water cannons?

And have you seen the broken banners?

Have you felt a dying hand reach out to us?

But who am I to say when I'm so weak and I'm so small?

No they'll never hear my voice

One word is all you need just show your hand for after all

We're supposed to have a choice.

Stand up and say "No, no, no, no."

 

In the East there stands a figure, his tears held back with pride

In the East there stands a figure with a nation by his side.

It's the aftermath and in silent calm

He gathers up his broken armies

Gazes round in shocked alarm then he turns away

But this broken man will not be bitter

Though the world will not admit they're wrong

He can be heard to say.

" How can you ignore me? I refuse to understand

Why you don't let your feelings show.

'Cos in your heart of hearts you would not leave a dying man

Lying face down in the snow"

Stand up and say "No, no, no, no."