"Refugee"

"Refugee"
Copyright © 2001 Stanislove
(Published 2003 as part of "Rant - Journey - Anthem;" Suwimbo Music #535-03)

Listen to a song clip (CD order button). 
 
I was born as a refugee in 1946. (2x)
The war was over, people heading for home,
Nobody would stop to guide my soul
I was born as a refugee in 1946.
I never got religion but I learned how to get my kicks.
 
My daddy, he was damaged way beyond repair. (2x)
They walked him out of Buchenwald, barely alive.
No one should ever have to do what he did to survive.
Oh, Daddy, he was damaged way beyond repair.
When he would start to drinking, I had to hide away.
 
My mother as a young girl ran to save her life. (2x)
Born into tradition, privilege, and style -
Then the Russians tanks came rolling, mile after mile.
Mother as a young girl ran to save her life.
She did not want to marry but she tried to be a good wife.
 
I was always the new boy in every neighborhood. (2x)
People ask, "Hey kid, where you from?" I'd say, "This camp and that."
They never did invite us to their dinner table chats.
I was always the new boy in every neighborhood.
Yeah, I had a few friends, but they never understood.
 
I left home as a young man, eager to see the world. (2x)
Getting high and drinking, party until dawn;
People hung around as long as I was a clown.
I left home as a young man, eager to see the world.
I never got the rules that I know I should have learned.
 
With the help of many people I'm learning to heal myself. (2x)
Looking in the mirror, I knew it could be done
But changing my direction was not easily begun.
With the help of many people I'm learning to heal myself.
I'm on a joyful journey, I have a lot to tell.
 
So I'm building me a homestead with every friend I meet. (2x)
Everywhere I've traveled, people did me right.
Treat them with respect and you can sleep through the night.
I'm building me a homestead with every friend I meet.
We all belong together, up and down each and every street. (3x)