Story Behind The Song
This song pleads for the soldier to talk about what he saw, both for him to heal, and so that others might better learn what really happens in war.
Song Description
There are so many things that a combat soldier sees, that we never hear about.
They are taught to "buck up" and keep thier feelings inside
| Song Length |
3:28 |
Genre |
Folk - Alternative, Folk - General |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Poignant, Moving |
Subject |
War, Regret |
| Similar Artists |
Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1960 - 1969 |
| |
Lyrics
Your own worst enemy (words and music by Janet Bates c 2003)
Have you ever looked a foreign soldier in the eye
Was it something you forgot about
Or has that vision haunted you so many lonely nights
defiance in his eyes, or was it doubt?
Chorus
We know nothing of your war
We need you to tell us more
We need to understand your pain
Lest other souls be lost in vain
Has a battle ever been a place you left a friend behind
And later wonder why it wasn?t you?
Then spent your whole life searching for peace you?ve yet to find many things you wish you could undo
Is there a place inside of you that never really healed
A place that no-one else can see
Narcotics only numb but never take away the pain you feel
A part of you is never really free
it seemed so important defending freedom back at home
The truth is out now you can really see
Is this a better world for all the lives lost in that war
What did it have to do with being free
Is this something you would ever wish upon your own worst enemy
Is this something you would ever wish upon your own worst enemy
Your own worst enemy