Santiago Dawn

Something moves in the still dark hours Sunday in a shanty town Eyelids open two by two But not a single light goes on Tension builds as the only sound Is the quiet clash of metal and boots And now and then an order barked At the bullies in the drab green suits Military thugs with their dogs and clubs Spreading through the poblacion Hunting whoever still has a voice Sure that everyone will run They come in strong but it's not that long Before they know it's not so easy to leave To keep a million homeless down takes more Than a strong arm up your sleeve At the crack of dawn the first door goes down Snapped off a makeshift frame In a matter of minutes the first rock flies Barricades burst into flame First mass rings through smoke and gas Day flowers out of the night Creatures of the dark in disarray Fall before the morning light Bells of rage, bells of hope As the ten-year night wears down Sisters and brothers are coming home To see the Santiago dawn Santiago sunrise See them marching home See them rising like grass through cement In the Santiago dawn I got a dream and I'm not alone Darkness dead and gone All the people marching home Kissing the rush of dawn Santiago sunrise See them marching home See them rising like grass through cement In the Santiago dawn --- Santiago Dawn - Bruce Cockburn