My apologies if you are in the mood for a soft, warm fuzzy song today. If so please go listen to one of my other tunes!
This could be one of my most intense songs. Musically it feels fabulous to sing and play. Not sure how pleasant it is for you to listen to.
In the tradition of songwriters like Bruce Cockburn who have done a lot to spread the “unofficial” message about what is really going on “inside” world events it holds nothing back.
In particular this song was inspired by the political events throughout the 1980’s in South Africa, in particular the story of Stephen Biko, as well as Latin America where death squads were causing political dissidents to “disappear”. Nuns, priests, union leaders, journalists and average citizens who just got in the way, were being targeted for torture and death.
I believe as a songwriter it is my job to use whatever small talents I have to somehow make a difference. Not sure if it’s even possible. But I have to at least give it a voice.
I’ve also created a version of this song for my Bullying Prevention programs in schools. Different context same idea.
Please click the arrow to play:
Target (version 1)
Song #152 | 8/14/1990 | CD: Coming Soon!
They have guns and they have tanks
They own factories and banks
They do not like to be told
That they cannot have all the gold
They do not like nuns and priests
They do not like journalists
They do not like truth at all
They’re so afraid that they will fall…
They like the fear that stabs and lingers
They like the truth turned into lies
They like the men who break your fingers
Under the lights that burn your eyes
Refrain:
You make a very nice target
For their death squads to practice on
Or you just might have an accident
While you’re a “guest” in their prison
They can hurt your family
Or they can choose to let them be
You are just a toy for them
A toy that they can twist and bend
They will make you stand for days
Then they will break both your legs
They can think of countless ways
To make you scream and make you beg…
They like the fear that stabs and lingers
They like the truth turned into lies
They like the men who break your fingers
Under the lights that burn your eyes
Refrain:
You can die so many ways
And all of them can last for days
If they can’t deny that you have died
They’ll say it was a suicide
They’ll say that you weren’t feeling well
They’ll say that you just slipped and fell
They’ll say that you just bumped your head
But either way you are still dead…
They’ll leave you for garbage in the gutter
No one will be the least surprised
Someone will run and tell your mother
Neighbors will hold her while she cries…
Refrain:
Copyright 1990-2015 by Mark Shepard. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.
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