Original Blues, Rock & Country for the Soul
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MP3 7.8 MB • 160 kbps • 6:48
Story behind the song
'Benji'
A young dog killed because of the way he looked
September 2013
BENJI'S STORY
The inspiration for this song is the injustice and heartbreak of the death of innocent Benji, caused by Breed Specific Legislation.
I wanted to describe in music the moments that fall by the wayside as an innocent dog is 'written off' and condemned to die simply because of his or her shape or type - and in the case of abandoned 'ownerless' dogs, no matter how friendly or placid, calm or loving they are, the minute they are identified as a prohibited 'type', breed specific legislation prevents dogs like Benji from being saved and rehomed.
Benji's fate was sealed this way.
I imagined him looking up at the sky wanting to be let out to play with a ball, giving licks to his jailer's hand, wanting a fuss and a little love and kindness.
Benji had done nothing wrong. He never hurt a soul; he would have been a wonderful companion to the rescuer who offered to give him a forever home in the countryside and in glorious acres where he could have run free with his canine friends, enjoying a happy life.
Benji was killed under BSL in early September 2013. His life was stolen from him when he was within arms reach of safety... he was one day away from being adopted out of the pound.
This song is our way of saying Benji mattered, he deserved to live and regardless of what he looked like, he should have been allowed to reach the happy future that was promised to him by caring people.
Run free lovely lad. We hope wherever you are that you are at peace now, not hungry anymore, not scared or lonely, not locked away behind cold steel bars...
We imagine you running through fields of clover at the rainbow bridge, warm in the sunshine, young and healthy and with a smile on your face that only a dog can have when wagging a tail full of joy.
We won't forget you Benji.
Rest in peace now gentle soul, many tears have been shed for you.
You were loved
xx
Lyrics
'Saved and Lost'
While you were by my side
I didn't know you were betraying me
While you were writing notes
I was dreaming of the big blue sky
While you looked in my eyes
I didn't know you thought I was dangerous
I was confused and tired
The last day for only one of us
I was only dreaming of where I want to be
I was only wishing, there'd be a place for me
But I was saved and lost and saved and lost and saved
Found and turned in to my grave
A lifeline caught and then pulled away
And I'm not here to be your friend today...
While you were closing doors
I just wanted to go outside
Feel the grass beneath these paws
Let go the fear I had inside
While you can walk away
And tell the world that you were right
There's nothing I can say
Except you stole my life...
I was only dreaming of where I want to be
I was only wishing, there'd be a place for me
But I was saved and lost and saved and lost and saved
Found and turned in to my grave
A lifeline caught and then pulled away
And I'm not here to be your friend today...
I was only dreaming of where I want to be
I was only wishing, there'd be a place for me
But I was saved and lost and saved and lost and saved
Found and turned in to my grave
A lifeline caught and then pulled away
And I'm not here to be your friend today...
But I was saved and lost and saved and lost and saved
Found and turned in to my grave
A lifeline caught and then pulled away
And I'm not here to be your friend today...
© Maria Daines/Paul Killington
6.9.13
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