Us and Them

from Southern Cross by Sean O'Connor

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lyrics

White cliffs war memorials rise
Into the glow of grey gold skies
Over Dover the sun casts a shadow
As Dunkirk falls behind me
The headlines and TV screens remind me
They say the killer’s a Neo-Nazi
Are these parts of me I’m asking

Is it us and them?
If not now then when?
If not me then who?
My God what shall I do?

And the words of the one who must be blamed
Are the same as he who must not be named
In a family story half the world is reading
Shall I point my finger and say “No, not I”
Shall I remember how to cry?
Cos I think those words are part of me
And a part of all humanity

Is it us and them?
If not now then when?
If not me then who?
My God what shall I do?

And the cliffs are crowned with wi-fi towers
Are we calling to higher powers
Is the seagull’s flight still a sign for freedom?
And does the light house beacon stand
To harbour sailors seeking land?
Does the castle still stand for our defences?
If you can’t see the shadow within you
How can you choose good to give into?
Cos if it’s not in ourselves
How could it be in anyone else?

It’s not us and them
The time is now not when
It’s just me and you
My God what shall we do?

credits

from Southern Cross, released April 23, 2023

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