The Eve of Destruction
by Barry McGuire
circa 1965
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The Eastern World----it is exploding----violence flaring----bullets floating----you’re old enough to kill----but not for voting----you don’t believe in war----but what’s that gun you’re toting?----and even the River Jordan has bodies floating
“”Chorus””
But you tell me over and over and over again my friend, you don’t believe we’re on the Eve of Destruction
Don’t you understand what I’m trying to say, can’t you feel the fears I’m feeling today----if the button is pushed----there’s no running away----there’ll be no one to save with the world in a grave. Take a look around you boy! It’s bound to scare you boy!!
“”Chorus””
But you tell me over and over and over again my friend, you don’t believe we’re on the
Eve of Destruction
My blood’s so mad----feels like coagulating----I’m sitting here just contemplating----I can’t quit the truth----it knows no regulation----hand full of senators don’t pass legislation----and marches alone don’t bring integration----when human respect is disintegrating. This whole crazy world is just too frustrating
“”Chorus””
But you tell me over and over and over again my friend, you don’t believe we’re on the Eve of Destruction
Think of all the hate there is in Red China---then take a look around to Selma, Alabama. You may leave here for four days in space, but when you return, it’s the same old place……the pounding of the drums..…the pride and disgrace…..you can bury your dead, but don’t leave a trace, hate your next-door neighbor, but don’t forget to say grace.
But you tell me over and over and over again my friend, you don’t believe we’re on the Eve of Destruction……………..
I'm not into making political statements. I just happen to like this song - all the way back to 1965 when I was an 11th grader, going to school and working part-time at Blue Cross downtown as a co-op. It was at a time when Viet Nam was a reality, but shamefully it didn't seem to be quite the focus back home - unless you had someone in the armed forces serving over there. When I reflect back to those days, I recall some guys from school who died serving our country. One of them was someone I had a (silent) crush on in high school. Another was a twin that I had gone to Catholic school with from first grade. And my cousin, Johnny, served. Thank God he returned home. You can't return from a war without changes. He shared some stories with me, but he kept so much to himself. We were so close since we were little J and little B .... and because of that closeness, I felt the changes. Happily, not too long after his return home, he met one of my dearest girlfriends (Linda) and they married, had a daughter and son and are now grandparents to a grandson and four granddaughters.
Some had happy endings, but the fact remains.......I still think we're on the eve of destruction - maybe more now than ever before.
♥
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