Story Behind The Song
This song was inspired by an interview with Michael Berg, father of Nicholas Berg who was kidnapped and brutally murdered by Al-Zarcawi in Iraq. When being interviewed on the CBC about the recent death of Zarcawi at the hand of the US Army, Berg refused to condone the US Army?s action and thus continue the cycle of hatred. He has been called a traitor and even shot at by some of his countrymen for refusing to support the war and the killing of Zarcawi, but stands resolute in his determination to find forgiveness in his heart and start a new cycle: one of humanity and forgiveness. This song is dedicated to his remarkable courage and the memory of his son.
Song Length |
4:10 |
Genre |
Folk - Alternative, Pop - Rock |
Mood |
Moving, Engaging |
| |
Lyrics
Forgiveness
Words and music by: Peter Katz
You ask me to explain it
Well there?s everything and nothing to say
Some things they happen
And once they do they never go away
They tell you that this life is eye for eye
Well man you know I think that?s all a lie
Oh I will not stoke the fire of this fight, when I know it isn?t right
So I guess I?m going to have to try forgiveness
?Cause man you know that?s all that I?ve got left
My boy did not deserve this, but neither do the rest
I guess I?m going to have to try forgiveness
You can call me a coward
Call me whatever you chose
Once you could have hurt me
But now, I?ve nothing left to lose
Go on and spite me ?cause I will not curse his name
And tell me though I?m broken, I am to blame
Well go on, but I won?t participate, in spreading all this hate
So I guess I?m going to have to try forgiveness
?Cause man you know that?s all that I?ve got left
My boy did not deserve this, but neither do the rest
I guess I?m going to have to try forgiveness
They shot at me for speaking out against this tired war
Said "How can you lose one life and not demand one more?"
Well what good will it do us in the end?
There?s nothing that should justify revenge
And I stand now here before you
Living out the hardest test
And still I swear the only answer is: ?Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Oh you know we?ve got to try forgiveness
?Cause man you know it?s all that we?ve got left
Our boys and girls are watching and they?ve put us to the test
Come let's show them forgiveness
Forgiveness