MY STORIES I died last night with England in sight. I howled at the wind - but the wind wasn't listening. My stories always start In places that are torn apart. And it's only when We find a way to stop it happening again That my stories will end. You were safe at home as the chill sank into my bones. Tucked up warm in bed - as the waves closed over my head. My stories always start With shattered dreams and broken hearts. And it's only when You can promise me that it won't happen again That my stories will end. I was just like you till they silenced my voice. I did what anyone would do when they're given no choice. My stories always start With the same questions that are always asked. And it's only when Someone finds a way to answer them That my stories will end. MIRIAM Little Miriam always played on her own When her brothers got too big. Sometimes months went by when they didn't come home... And she didn't recognise them when they did. Gone was the fun And the shrieks of laughter That she held in her memory. Their faces darker Their eyes harder... And they spent their whole day on their knees. Miriam was taken out of school And helped her mother round the house. Told she only had to follow the rules And keep as quiet as a mouse. Her mother always did the best she could And found her books and stuff. Knowing whatever, she tried to do It could never be enough. Miriam, hardly breathing, in a bag Underneath the blankets in the car. Her brothers' fearsome reputation, and her uncle's way with words Got them past the border guards. Cars and trucks And airless rooms Filled with men with lifeless eyes. Now she stands by the water Looking out At the twinkling lights On the other side... BORDERS & FENCES Borders and fences Are designed to keep people out, Or to keep them in sometimes. They build them high And make them hard to cross. Though some are willing to try When they've already lost All they had... For borders and fences To stand up strong They just play on our fears And our need to "belong". Words and ideas Given space and time And fed and watered Will come to define Who we are.... Borders and Fences Weren't always there, Though we live with their consequences everywhere. History's full of men Who built "unscalable" walls. To see them crack overnight.... and crumble, and fall. Borders and fences Are more than lines on a map. They dull our senses And keep us warn in the trap. Channels and ditches Or rolls of razor-wire Patrolled by sons of bitches To control the desire To be free.... All music and lyrics copyright Greg Hancock 2023 Greg's guitars are tuned CGD#GA#C for all 3 songs