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Rise and Fall (Song #135)

by Mark Shepard

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about

Song #135, RISE AND FALL was written in response to the fall of the Berlin wall in Germany and events in China's Tiananmen Square in 1989. The line “One lone tree guards the hope of the world” was partly inspired by the lone man who stood up to a line of tanks. It also has spiritual significance. I started singing this song around the house back in the Winter/Spring of 2022 as Putin invaded Ukraine. And then there were protests in Iran. Just last week as I write this, the people in China again raised their voices and took to the streets in protest of the government's strict lock down policies against Covid. Here in the U.S.A. we've had our own challenges with lies and threats to democracy.

Sometimes a song can do more than other media to wake up the sleeping giant of "the people."

When the people discover their power, Dictators tremble.

Peace & Love,

- Mark

lyrics

Rise and Fall
Song #135 | Written June-July 1989 | Recorded July 2022

Boy have I got a secret for you
There’s power in words to break the world in two
Rise and fall
One lone tree guards the hope of the world
Who can tell but birds it’s branches hold?
Rise and fall

Can you see the sun break through the clouds
Can you see the troops disperse the bleeding crowds?
Rise and fall
Ruled by men deep in limousines
Who seem to feel that freedom is obscene
Rise and fall

Refrain:
I believe I can hear the distance calling
I believe I can see the mighty falling…

Bayonets fixed, sweat in eyes
Soldiers lay their lives down serving lies
Rise and fall
What is true? What is false?
Who is foolish? Can you tell me, can you tell me who is wise?
Fall and RISE!

Refrain:

Boy have I got a secret for you
There’s power in Love to make the world anew
Rise and fall
One lone tree guards the hope of the world
Who can tell what birds its branches hold?
Rise and fall

Refrain:

credits

released November 30, 2022

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Mark Shepard Albany, New York

Welcome to my “Life In Song” project.

Since 1976, I’ve been obsessively and compulsively writing songs. Some of them are inspired by my own life, my attempts to understand love, life, spirituality, peace and justice.

While I recently have started to get a little recognition, you’ve probably never heard my songs ANYWHERE.

But now you can hear them... here... Download. Share. Thanks! ... more

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