Peace Songbook

This song is the result of my family and I discussing the current violence that we see so often in the news. I wanted to go a little "punk-rock" and really give something meaty for the kids to sink their teeth and hearts into.

It's so important that we not spend too much time talking about loving our neighbor, and no time actually doing it. That's what this song is all about.

*** One note to the song's simplicity: I purposely wrote this with mostly 2 chords in the spirit of a pub song for the sake of teachability. I wanted children, my own specifically, to be able to know only 3 chords and sit and play along.

Lyrics

It’s a myth that we can be alone

It’s a myth than we can have an island of our own

It’s a selfish lie that i can get whatever i can dream

And never have thought for the way it comes to me

Even walking down my street

I affect the way that the particles meet

Through the air from my skin and my lungs to yours

Like it or not we all have open pores

And if I take care of mine

And if I have no concern for yours

Bit by bit I’m going blind

Little by little I closing up the door

It’s not that one life matters more than the other

But some lives get kicked around more than the others

You can stay where it’s safe on the other side - if that’s your choice

But I don’t want to hide my eyes anymore

Don't turn around

When you see another falling down

Don't do it half way

Open up your eyes today

No half hearted attempts at loving my neighbor anymore

Try it once again, with feeling… once again with feeling (x3)

I can’t sit and be still

And be so content to have my fun and my fill

When my neighbor is next door fighting for his life

I can’t lay down on my bed

Believing that everything’s ok, I’m warm and well fed

When my neighbor is next door fighting for her life

Get rowdy with it!

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

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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.