Though fourteen were tried,
sweet mercy would spare
only the country boy
the sentence to die.
Rampant corruption, high treason,
and gross violations of human rights,
were the insidious infractions
the tribunal gave as judicial reason.
Thirteen times on the African coast
the shore was forced
to bare the burden
of the execution posts.
The Atlantic sprayed tears
on the sacrificial sons
while the revelry of the crowd
lifted joyous, insurgent cheers.
Thirteen leaders lost;
some better some worse.
Thirteen blood lines severed;
heedless of the cost.
Supposedly sovereignty they'd restore,
when the last point blank bullet
pierced the last trembling skull
on that beautiful, blood soaked African shore.
sweet mercy would spare
only the country boy
the sentence to die.
Rampant corruption, high treason,
and gross violations of human rights,
were the insidious infractions
the tribunal gave as judicial reason.
Thirteen times on the African coast
the shore was forced
to bare the burden
of the execution posts.
The Atlantic sprayed tears
on the sacrificial sons
while the revelry of the crowd
lifted joyous, insurgent cheers.
Thirteen leaders lost;
some better some worse.
Thirteen blood lines severed;
heedless of the cost.
Supposedly sovereignty they'd restore,
when the last point blank bullet
pierced the last trembling skull
on that beautiful, blood soaked African shore.
There's got to be a way
to open all eyes
so that everyone will see
the ignorance and lies.
There's got to be a way
to stop the disgrace
and humiliation inflicted
on a proud and humble race.
There's got to be a way
to restore decades of peace
to a people who ask only
that the loss of blood cease.
What are the words
that will enlighten?
Where are the leaders
by whom the corrupt will be frightened?
From the bush to the barracks
we share the same blood,
yet misguided warriors trample
our kindred pride in the mud.
There's got to be a way
to teach liberation with clarity
and bring this precious land
to enduring prosperity.
There's got to be a way
as our children all flee
taking with them the hope
that Liberia will once again be
"that glorious land of liberty".
Father, Father, show us the way.
to open all eyes
so that everyone will see
the ignorance and lies.
There's got to be a way
to stop the disgrace
and humiliation inflicted
on a proud and humble race.
There's got to be a way
to restore decades of peace
to a people who ask only
that the loss of blood cease.
What are the words
that will enlighten?
Where are the leaders
by whom the corrupt will be frightened?
From the bush to the barracks
we share the same blood,
yet misguided warriors trample
our kindred pride in the mud.
There's got to be a way
to teach liberation with clarity
and bring this precious land
to enduring prosperity.
There's got to be a way
as our children all flee
taking with them the hope
that Liberia will once again be
"that glorious land of liberty".
Father, Father, show us the way.
Seaside Sovereignty
There's Got to Be a Way
A Public Secret
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |