There are too many American soldiers fighting for oil and oligarchies across the globe. There are too many "combatant" villages and lives destroyed by technology. There are too many chickenhawks in the "comfortable class". War is big business that pays to be on the bombing side.
[Note: This song was written prior to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. It just seems more appropriate now. This song release coincides with the Rage Against the War Machine rally on Feb. 19. Please try to support these peace efforts from near or far. You don’t have to agree with everything or everyone. ]
Song Background:
Growing up around Air Force bases, the military was a constant in my early life. My high-school dropout dad served in Vietnam and retired as a Tech Sergeant after 22 years. I learned the difference between a fortunate son and a poor recruit, as well as, that between a patriot and a profiteer.
I have no illusions about propaganda, sacrifice, power or ideology cloaked in flags, songs, movies, religion, geopolitics or the nightly news. It's all just a deadly game.
Shout Out:
America is far gone from Walter Cronkite and the Huntley-Brinkley Report era. Trusted news is personality and culture war driven nowadays. The fight for independent news sources is a hard fought battle as corporate money controls the supply chain.
Generals in suits now saturate mainstream media and skew military threats to bolster business affiliations. Col. Douglas Macgregor, a former tank commander, offers a sober contrast to these zealous warmongers.
In addition, Scott Ritter, former Marine and weapons inspector, offers insights that reflect realities on the ground over the doublespeak of political operators.
Gear:
DAW: Reaper Effects: Compression, EQ Guitar: Martin X-Series DX1RAE Strings: D'Addario Custom Light (.011 - .052) 80/20 Bronze Mic: Audio-Technica AT2020 AI: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Chords:
Verse: Em - A - Em - A - Em - A - Em Chorus: F7 - D (4x) Bridge: Am - G - D (4x)
Lyrics:
Driving drones, dropping bombs Leaving kids, dead with moms This is what happens so far away Bullet points, media shots Killing off critical thoughts Leaving the truth to fade away Give me no pain Give me no war Stop this empire game Stop killing the poor Invading lands, stealing oil Economy in turmoil No food, no meds, no compromise Exporting war, telling lies This is where democracy dies In the hallows of enterprise Give me no pain Give me no war Stop this empire game Stop killing the poor Warmongers make business plans From Iraq to Afghanistan The war machine's a mighty beast Fed off corpses of the very least Driving drones, dropping bombs Leaving kids, dead with moms This is what happens so far away So far away ... So far away ... So far away ... Give me no pain Give me no war Stop this empire game Stop killing the poor
*********************************************
If you like the songs and/or essays, please help me distribute them by sharing and following me on Twitter and Substack. I also use Instagram to document the journey and offer songwriting insights.
I appreciate your time, support and aid in this elderly endeavor.
Except in special cases, my songs are free to the public. Please be mindful that alterations for racist intent is not permitted. Be critical, not hateful.
Original Song #13 - Give Me No Pain