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Mark Shepard Sings

A Life In Song: 4 Decades of Original Music

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April 6, 2015 · Freedom Songs, Life In Song 1990's, Peace Songs, Political Songs

152 Target version 1

10044848_sMy 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.

Thoughts? Contact 

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.

Photo – Copyright: / 123RF Stock Photo

Filed Under: Freedom Songs, Life In Song 1990's, Peace Songs, Political Songs

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Some reviews & testimonials

Your lyrics embody everything we hold sacred…

Your lyrics embody everything we hold sacred and dear as a faith community.

Gina Sullivan, Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph

You write some great songs!

Hi Mark, You write some great songs! I really enjoyed listening to all of them on Spark and Flame. Thank you for all that you do. Keep up the good work! All the best.

Susan

Love the “Key To Your Cage” album…

Love the “Key To Your Cage” album. I hear so many different influences and styles woven throughout the songs, really keeps it interesting from start to finish!

Dan Z

Enjoying your songs so much…

Hello Mark. I am enjoying your songs so much! I’d love to see you play live somewhere.

Marianne

Just awesome…

Your music is taking over my life and it’s awesome!

Eric

Love your lyrics!

Love your music! Love your lyrics!

Robin Bridgeford

Never fails to move me…

Your incredible music never fails to move me. Thank you, Mark.

Paula

Total awesomeness!!!

‘Let’s Run’ is MY FAVORITE so far.. I LOVE THIS ONE.. great job.. total awesomeness!!! I thank Jana Stanfield for introducing me to your gifts. I am grateful.

Merril

I Love listening to all your songs…

Mark, you really are an amazing songwriter! I Love listening to all your songs and sitting in the creative aura they create!

Cheri

I loved the song and listened to it 3 times….

Hi Mark, I just had to tell you this. I emailed my 3 granddaughters the song you wrote who are sisters with the youngest being 11 years old, has cerebral palsy and is very smart, is able to talk, very funny, uses a computer, is able to write, now is learning to play drums, emails me ‘Thanks. I do.’ I loved the song and listened to it 3 times.

Gail Russ

For me these songs are transformational lessons in self-love…

Dear Mark, THANK YOU for sending *Spark & Flame*!!!! This CD certainly is a compilation of Conscious Love Songs! As I listen I am transported to memory after memory past, present and future, fulfilled and unfulfilled. I was flooded with many different emotions. I cried, laughed, held my breath and also breathed deep heart-centered breaths of connection to the Divine. I feel joy, grief, sadness, compassion, love, awe, freedom, kindness, gratitude and appreciation. For me these songs are transformational lessons in self-love, releasing, acceptance for what was, what is and who I am. Knowing that I am enough and that I am Divinely Loved.

J

You have put a grown man in tears…

Mark, this song and message really hit home for me today. You have put a grown man in tears. Thank You for what you do. Sometimes I think you sound kind of cheesy, and then others, I think you are a genius, and I’m beginning to realize that you actually care about helping people. So hard to “get out of your own way” sometimes…thanks for the reminder.

Jeremy

Been singing the chorus since the first day I heard it…

I sh*t you not when I say I’ve been singing the chorus to Honest Rock since the first day I heard it. I sing this every single day. Many times a day. Seriously. It’s like a mantra to me. It soothes me:-)

Gene Moore

They love (your song) and ask to listen to it, ALWAYS.

My name is Cecile. I teach kindergarten at OMSD. I had the pleasure of using your song Together We Can Change The World to help my students make a difference in this wonderful world! They love it and ask to listen to it, ALWAYS.

Cecile Arvizo

Brilliant!

Brilliant! I LOVE seeing the words to all these beloved songs, thanks!

Mary F.

Your song was just perfect to start my day…

Mark, your song ‘Freedom (It’s Been  Long Road)’ was just perfect to start my day. I LOVE IT!  Thank you, Thank you.  Blessings to you and much gratitude for your musical gift.

Judy

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