Former Glory

While I work on my next short story (“The Routing Forecast” or “Curses”) here’s another song I wrote back in my late teens/early twenties – well over thirty years ago…

Former Glory

Why was there crime in the city at that time in 1979?
Why were there marks in the hearts of all the parks?
Why were there fights in the city on those nights? – It wasn’t right.
And who told us stories of former glory – was he sorry?

Why do the people go to the steeple? For the Word? It can’t be heard.
Why does the man get up and stand, we know we’re damned
Where is the ease for this disease – if you please?
And who told us stories of former glory – was he sorry?

Why do we have to earn what we learn and take our turn?
Why are there hooks in all the books – so we have to look?
Where are the rules for all the fools who never went to school?
And who told us stories of former glory – was he sorry?

Do you remember what we did, for a hit when we were kids?
Why does it feel so unreal, when it’s no big deal.
Do you recall when we called for our all
And who told us stories of former glory – was he sorry?

Chorus

The days of burning bright are long gone
Leaving behind things left undone
We wish we could live our lives as before
But all our dreams lay scattered on the floor