Feb 2022 acoustic
My first FAWM song on the theme, "Promises Broken, Promises Restored." It provides a general introduction to songs which I'm planning on specific historical events. It may be the only song with allusions to both F. A. Hayek and Stan Rogers.
Copyright 2022 Gary McGath.
The road to freedom's never been a straight one.
You constantly find unexpected turns.
You think your goal is just past the horizon
Till you find out what every traveler learns.
The signs beside the road might only promise
A destination no one yet has built.
Sometimes a sign will lure you to the wrong way,
A road to serfdom mired in muddy silt.
No matter where you go, there's new construction,
And sometimes it has barely made a start.
It's necessary, since there are so many
Who'd like to tear the whole damn road apart.
There may be times when you don't like the scenery
And places that you'd rather not go through.
It always is important to remember
The road to freedom isn't just for you.
Be patient when the traffic isn't moving.
Look for a detour if you have to stop.
There often are collisions bringing chaos.
The road to freedom has no traffic cop.
Sometimes you wonder if you'll ever get there.
Sometimes you'll look around and think you're lost.
And when you add up all the toll you're paying,
You'll wonder if the trip is worth the cost.
There really is no final destination;
You only can get closer than before.
When you think you are stuck and getting nowhere,
You have to fuel up and try once more.
The progress that you make is its own reason.
The farther on you go, the more you're free.
It's better than just sitting down and grumbling,
And every quarter mile's a victory.
@berni1954 Feb 2022
This would be brilliant performed at a modern version of a music hall.
You really squeeze every nuance out from this metaphor. Chapeau!
I really identified with verse two. My old Tom Tom GPS was forever encouraging me to turn onto motorways that were still under construction.
@philkmills Feb 2022
I appreciate the ability to choose one metaphor for a song and stick with it. Nicely done!
@mhorning Feb 2022
There really is no final destination;
You only can get closer than before
Very keen insight.
@ceilidh Feb 2022
Nice metaphor (although it DOES make me think of the Dr. Who episode where everyone has been stuck in traffic for decades)! The piano accompaniment seems very military and wonder if you might consider a tune/accompaniment that might be less so? Just a thought!