Henry's Songbook

In an Eastern land, on a national square
A crowd were gathering, they came from everywhere
Theirs was a peaceful way, this was plain to see
This was a time of change, this was a nation's plea

But that disappeared when the soldiers come
See the people run, see the people run
And their pleas were stopped by a soldier's gun
See the people run, see the people run

On a summer's morn, a bright and early dawn
Through an African haze came the sound of a rhythmic throng
Theirs was a cry of hope as they went marching on
This was a time of change, this was a freedom song

But that disappeared when the soldiers come
See the people run, see the people run
And their songs were stopped by a soldier's gun
See the people run, see the people run

In a Southern state where hate filled the air
One American's words resounded everywhere
He'd been to a mountain top, a better world he'd seen
This was a time of change, this was a people's dream

But that disappeared when the soldiers come
See the people run, see the people run
And their dreams were stopped by a soldier's gun
See the people run, see the people run

Then the soldier stopped for it was suddenly clear
That this was his own kind running away in fear
And he realised right there and then
He was just being used by those faceless men

And he closed his eyes and the anger came
See the people run, see the people run
And he cried out loud, Oh what have I done
See the people run, see the people run
And he dropped his head, and he dropped his gun
See the people run, see the people run

(as sung by Ceolbeg)