Peter Pan and Me
We knew we faced the power that comes from money
When we marched against the Empire’s mighty schemes
They were armed with special powers and legislation
While we were armed with youth and foolish dreams
But it seemed so right in Derry all that summer
When we took them on and built our barricades
We were an army dressed in faded jeans and sandals
Too young and full of pride to feel afraid
And we believed in things like justice, truth and freedom
And we believed we had a right to liberty
And we believed that we could build a new tomorrow
That’s how it seemed to Peter Pan and Me.
But we soon learned the truth of street rebellion
As that city crumbled ‘round us, stone by stone,
Betrayed by those who promised they would help us
Against tanks and troops and guns we stood alone,
For revolution is no game for foolish dreamers
For dreamers never know the price that must be paid
And before long we learned all power comes from a rifle
And we learned to bleed and die and be afraid
And soon no one cared for justice truth and freedom
And soon no one gave one damn for liberty
For all we hoped was that we might go on surviving.
We grew up fast young Peter Pan and Me.
Then the Empire dealt us death and fear and prison
There’s no mercy from that military machine
So our street kids swopped their faded jeans and sandals
For hoods and guns with loaded magazines
And the years have wrought their cruel retribution
And our brothers and our sisters bear the pain
As each side tries for its military solution
And the politicians play their murderous games
And among the dead lie justice, truth and freedom
And among the dead lie hope and liberty
So if you care enough to mourn brave new tomorrows
Pull up a chair, join Peter Pan and Me.