Peace Songbook

Kids have taught me much more, over the years, than I could ever impart to them. This song represents an example of the lessons I've learned. Here are three letters from kids to their leaders, in Jordan, Russia and the U.S.A. Children could, and hopefully will, write much more eloquently than I.

Lyrics

Dear Your Royal Highness:

I was seven in May and I live in Amman and I am wondering. Yesterday, I heard the planes, and somebody told me we hate the Israelis. Should I hate them, too? I'm smart in school. I'm a good soccer goalie and I can sing songs. I'm learning to cook. I can't wait to be older so I can smoke pipes and drive cars like Papa. But I don't know, 'cause everybody's mad about oil and missiles and fighting and nobody's talking about growing up, except me. That's why I'm scared.

Your friend, Moustafa

Dear Mr. Premier:

I am Tanya. I am eight and I live with my mama and my sister and Sasha, my cat. My father's in the army. He's never in Kiev, so he writes long letters where he's guarding the border to save us from China. I love the cosmonauts and ballet dancers floating in space. I love to watch swimming and track on TV. I want to be a baker when I'm big. But all the children here are worried, 'cause all their fathers are worried. Is there gonna be a war, Premier? Please tell me. I want to know. I'm happy. That's why I'm scared.

Sincerely, Tanya

Dear Mr. President:

I'm in fourth grade. How are you? I'm fine, all except I'm scared. Yesterday, the man on TV said we're building big bombs that kill kids like me and grown-ups like Grandpa. I live in Vermont, I go swimming in summer, the leaves turn in the fall. Then the snow's great for sledding, Dad gets grumpy in April, but I love to bake mud pies and I'm learning ukulele. But sir, please tell me, should I finish my vegetables so I'll be big and strong, just like my dad, even if everybody's dead from the bombs? That's why I'm scared.

David, age 9

Our songs for children about peace and justice, resolving conflicts, and celebrating our global family are more important than ever in these troubled times. These Peace Resources are intended to help us all move forward with hope and tools for song and action as we work together to build a healthier, more peaceful world.

Find songs about:

AntiBias, Bullying, Compassion, Conflict Resolution, Fear, Global Family, Grief, Justice, NonViolence, Other, Patriotic, Peace

Terms of Use

All songs posted in the CMN Song Library are protected by copyright and are provided by the generosity of the owner/artist. You may perform songs you find here in classrooms and camps without the copyright owner’s permission. For all other performances, you must first obtain a performance license through BMI, SESAC or ASCAP or obtain the copyright owner’s express prior written permission.