Story Behind The Song
The song was inspired by the United Nations adoption of the International Water Decade 2005 - 2015. Its premier performance was at a celebration in NYC of the first year anniversary of this decade of concern and resolve relating to the human right to safe water throughout the world. The performance was recorded by www.goodnewsbroadcast.com for worldwide distribution.
Song Description
The world has been focused on energy needs (especially oil), but the consequences of a crisis in the availability of drinking water poses a far more devastating threat to peace, health and survival on our planet. Already, more than a billion people play "Russian roulette" every time they take a drink of water. Millions of women in third world countries spend nearly their entire lives walking to carry water home to their families. Meanwhile, many people are unaware of this situation while some who know about it see it as an opportunity to exploit water resources for their own financial gain. This song seeks to paint a portrait of the growing crisis in water and to encourage people to learn about it and take whatever actions they can to address this very important problem.
| Song Length |
4:58 |
Genre |
Folk - Contemporary, Folk - General |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Moving, Troubled |
Subject |
Water, General |
| Similar Artists |
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Bruce Springsteen |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1960 - 1969 |
| |
Lyrics
WATER - THE SONG
One step, then another, she moves with such grace.
The water jar is heavy, but that won?t show on her face.
Her children must have water in the village far away.
So it?s one step, then another, each and every day.
Chorus:
People need water everywhere.
It?s a source of life, like light and air.
Lives depend on how we share.
Better start getting it right.
She serves the water; there?s little to spare
For a thirsty man and children. She pours with great care.
She takes hers from the bottom, like all the women do,
Where it looks dark and murky with a bitter residue.
Repeat chorus
Most of earth?s water is dangerous to drink.
With populations growing, reserves of water shrink.
Now, one in five people must use water that?s impure,
Risking serious diseases--some that have no cure.
Repeat chorus
We know how pollution can cause acid rain.
How global water pirates exploit thirst for their own gain.
How there?ve been wars for oil; how privatizers lie.
And how much we?ll miss the water if the well runs dry.
Repeat chorus
Repeat first verse