Where Are the Dead?
.
12/13/2007
by Tom Flannery
copyright 2007 (BMI)

I know they're gone I read the names
see the portraits in dusty frames
asking questions into a void
by bits and pieces faith is destroyed
face the teeth of the gale
push on push on without fail
buckets of tears have been shed
but can you tell me mother, where are the dead?
buckets of tears have been shed
but can you tell me mother, where are the dead?

This war is one that I don't understand
like trying to count every grain of sand
or the rain falling from the sky
can there be war if no one dies?
coffins whisked from foreign lands
covered up by a stranger's hands
they say democracy is being spread
but can you tell me mother, where are the dead?
they say democracy is being spread
but can you tell me mother, where are the dead?

Where are the dead, Ma
ours and theirs?
I can't see them 
from my easy chair
where have they gone
and will they be gone long?

Nobody I know can see that far
like tinted windows in a rich man's car
the history books written by those
without the strength to oppose
like illegals slipping across the line
the boys are leaves left on the vine
lies have spoke and the truth it has fled
can you tell me mother, where are the dead?
lies have spoke and the truth has fled
can you tell me mother, where are the dead?

Where are the dead, Ma
ours and theirs?
I can't see them 
from my easy chair
names and numbers rank and town
I know they've got to be around

I know they're gone I read the names
I've seen the portraits in the dusty frames
asking questions into a void
by bits and pieces faith is destroyed
face the teeth of the gale
push on push on without fail
buckets of tears have already been shed
but can you tell me mother, where are the dead?
buckets of tears have already been shed
but can you tell me mother, where are the dead?