Today is Abraham Lincoln's birthday, and these lyrics are adapted from a speech he gave 162 Februaries ago, at Cooper Union in New York City, as well as a speech he gave in 1854 in Peoria.
We shouldn't lionize him -- he would have gladly maintained slavery if he could have kept the Union together, and resisted the Emancipation Proclamation until he had no other choice. But still, I suspect he would be very sad to learn that the destructive racists he was talking about were not only still in power but had taken over the party he had called his own.
You will rule or ruin in all events
You will destroy the Government
You use deception for truthful evidence
Falsehood for fair argument
Malicious slander
The threat of death
The threat of destruction
Reject all progress
Will they be satisfied?
We know they will not desist
The overthrow
Nothing left to resist
[Break]
You'll destroy the Union and then you'll say
The crime will be on us
"Stand and deliver or I shall kill you
And you'll be the one who's murderous."
Malicious slander
The threat of death
The threat of destruction
Reject all progress
Will they be satisfied?
We know they will not desist
The overthrow
@wolfkier Mar 2022
This has such a carny "step right up" feel to it, all sounds and flashing lights, like a big alarm going off.... I'm enjoying my find through this tit4tat. Good stuff.
#tit4tat4.
Thanks again for you kind words and visits. Don't be a stranger! :)
If I don't hear/see you soon, perhaps we'll meet again at 5090.
@mikeskliar Feb 2022
This one has that wonderfully dark" funhouse-gone-wrong carnival of evil" backing that's just perfect for the lyric- and that vocal melody plays on that as well- great synergy there.
By the way, is that Cooper Union speech the one in which he was supposed to have gone around the corner to McSorley's ale house after for a few pints? Wonder if that's an urban legend or whether he was actually there (you've seen that great photo of woody guthrie there, by the pot bellied stove, right?)
@caterwauler Feb 2022
This one has the organic and electronic blend you're so masterful at. I love the harmonica glides, they convey a feeling of decadence that fits your theme perfectly.
@humantornado Feb 2022
I really like the odd juxtaposition of the lyrics with the almost carnivalesque music that is happening. It's right up my alley.
@leakyplusme2 Feb 2022
This is relevant right now good song mate.