Rumours of War
Echoes of Uncertainty: June Tabor's Poetic Reflection on Impending Turmoil
Lyrics
There were soldiers marching on the common today
Soldiers were marching on the common today.
They were there again this evening
They were present again in the evening.
They paced up and down like sea birds on the ground
They paced up and down like sea birds on the ground before the storm clouds gathered.
Before the storm clouds gathering
Indicating an impending storm or conflict.
I must buy whatever tinned food is left on the shelves
The speaker feels the need to buy whatever tinned food is left on the shelves, possibly preparing for difficult times.
They are testing the air raid sirens
Air raid sirens are being tested, suggesting the anticipation of war.
They've filled up the blood banks and emptied the beds
Blood banks are filled, and hospital beds are empty, indicating preparations for casualties.
At the hospital and the asylum
This includes both hospitals and asylums, emphasizing the widespread impact of potential conflict.
I saw a man build a shelter in his garden today
A man is building a shelter in his garden, a precautionary measure against potential danger.
As we stood there idly chatting
The speaker observes this while casually chatting.
He said "no, no I don't think was will come"
The man building the shelter expresses doubt about the war coming, yet continues his preparations.
Yet still he carried on digging
Despite skepticism, he persists in digging the shelter.
Everything in my life that I love
The speaker reflects on the fragility of everything they love in life.
Could be swept away without warning
There's a sense of impending threat; everything loved could be taken away suddenly.
Yet the birds still sing and the church bells ring
Despite the uncertainties, nature and daily routines continue – birds sing, church bells ring, and the sun rises.
And the sun came up this morning
Emphasizes the resilience of life and its continuance despite potential upheaval.
Life goes on as it did before
Reiterates that life continues as it did before, despite the underlying tensions and preparations for war.
As the country drifts slowly to war
Expresses the slow drift of the country towards war, acknowledging the ominous reality.
Comment