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A song about the suffering of families whose loved ones were tricked or forced to become soldiers and go kill for someone else's profit
folk political radical political music peace songs riotfolk radical music labor songs political songs radical folk antiwar songs
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Fiery and original radical songs of hope, justice and struggle
Ethan & Kate perform firey and original of hope, liberation and struggle. With hard-hitting lyrics, rich vocal harmonies and rhythmic high-energy acoustic guitar, their music aims to strengthen and inspire movements for social, economic and ecological justice. * * * * * RiOtFoLk "making folk a threat again!" * * * * * Hi friends, All of our music is here for free download (and also at www.riotfolk.org) because we believe in the power of songs as tools of struggle and social change-- and we want these tools to be freely shared with all who might find them useful. The songs here are also anti-copyright (registered into the Public Domain at ), because we believe that art should not be privately owned, but rather shared as part of our "cultural commons" (how could we copyright chords and language and ideas that are a thousand years old?!) "But if all your music is free, how do you eat?" people ask. Well, we work odd jobs, share income, and grow some of our food. We make some money from live gigs and CD sales. We live by mutual-aid and with low-impact ethics. We appreciate any donations you can give for these songs (or CD purchases)-- they help sustain us and allow us to continue our work. CDs can be purchased by mail order (see address below) and are sliding scale, $5-$30. SLiding scale is based on a principle of solidarity-- folks paying at a higher end makes it possible for us to offer this music to others who can't afford the usual high price of a CD. Thanks! CDs are also available for $15 at And of course, we'd love to come play in your town, so drop us a line... Keep loving, keep fighting! -e&k
Song Info
Charts
Peak #92
Peak in subgenre #8
Author
Ethan Miller & Kate Boverman
Rights
anti-copyright (public domain)
Uploaded
October 21, 2005
Track Files
MP3
MP3 5.7 MB 128 kbps 0:00
Story behind the song
The U.S. recruits its soldiers through systematic blackmail: By refusing to provide access to affordable higher education for all citizens, the government is able to use education as a “carrot-on-a-stick,” forcing young people from low-income backgrounds into military service as their only hope of accessing educational opportunities beyond high school. “Volunteer army”? Not quite. This song dedicated to all of the families who keep the home fires burning, awaiting the safe return of their loved ones from the wars of the empire-builders.
Lyrics
Come Home (Ethan Miller & Kate Boverman) She thought she'd never have to go She thought he'd never leave his home She thought he'd watch his children grow Then came the ringing on the phone It was dispatch on the line Telling him that it was time To pack his bags and say farewell It's time to catch a train to hell Send them off to senseless slaughter, What to tell our sons and daughters When they're lying all alone The dark sound of distant thunder, Another world in torn asunder When the body bags come home Out of high school in '93 He dreamed of getting a degree Money was tight, there was no way But the Army said that it would pay Now he's traded off his life Left his children and his wife To die in someone else's war What else are soldiers for? (Chorus) They both tried to play it cool When the kids came home from school "We got the news this afternoon Your father's sure he'll be back soon." Little Tyler spoke up first And his eyes told of the worst Lila shook her head and swore "Daddy's going off to war." (Chorus) Her father he had done his time Vietnam in '69 They were caught up on the ridge He was the only one that lived Sometimes he'd stay up 'till sunrise And get that dark look in his eyes From memories he couldn't hide So he drank until he died (Chorus) Be all that you can be Fight to keep this country free And defend democracy That's noble sentiment to me But words can lie and words can trick And when they lay it on real thick Who's freedom is this anyway Who profits from the price we pay? (Chorus) Come home, come home Please come home
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