Refugee
Refugee's Lament: A Call to Reckon with Consequences
Lyrics
So they wandered again
Describes a repeated journey of displacement or migration.
To make a home for their family and kin
Effort to create a new home for their family and relatives.
Polluted all the waters within
Caused contamination or impurity in the surrounding waters.
But we can make it all better again
Expresses hope or belief in the ability to rectify the pollution or damage.
We'll filter out their women and men
Suggests separating people based on gender.
With no quarter for the young or the old
Refusal to show mercy or kindness to any age group.
When children are expendable then
Indicates a disturbing perspective on the expendability of children.
We can leave them shivering out in the cold
Willingness to abandon others to suffer in harsh conditions.
So you brokered a deal
Describes the negotiation or arrangement made.
A handshake and a permanent seal
Symbolic agreement or promise sealed with a handshake.
Ascend to the position of power
Attainment of authority or control.
Atop a wall with an ivory tower
Metaphorical imagery of being in a privileged and isolated position.
Turn away the outstretched hands
Refusal to help those in need or desperation.
It's what you did for the lowest of these
Recalling a history of neglecting the most vulnerable.
So tell me was it part of the plan
Questioning if neglect was intentional or planned.
To leave them shivering out in the cold?
Reiteration of leaving individuals to suffer in cold conditions.
You decreed
Issuing a command or authoritative order.
Go out and cleanse the lands
Directing a cleansing of the lands, possibly through forceful means.
Until the waters are pure
Objective: purify the environment or surroundings.
(Enough to wash the blood off our hands)
Implied guilt or responsibility for causing harm.
Then we'll sing
Anticipating a declaration or anthem.
We're the chosen souls
Claiming a status of chosen or special individuals.
But can we ever atone
Doubt about the possibility of making amends for past actions.
For leaving them in the cold?
Ruminating on the guilt of abandoning others to suffer.
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