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  1. Kigali

From the recording Ours and the Shepherds

Lyrics

For Sen. Romeo Dallaire


Grandpa was a Vandoo in '25.
He left Groesbeek in '45.
Grandma was a Dutch girl and a war bride.
And my dad, like his dad, came home quiet.
He loved us with few words.
To know him I had to become him.
I left Somalia for a new 'Chapter Six.'
Was discharged in '94 from Amahoro barracks
but I don't know the way.
I don't know the way
home from Kigali.
Does your heart know the way?
Does any heart know the way home from Kigali?'


Ecstasy and Zoloft helped turn
landmine rings back to cell phones
and Linda back home to her parents.
I tripped up the '12 Steps' to fall back down.
I joined a prayer group
though I know I cannot be found.
One night I asked Jesus if He knew the way.
I was drunk at last call but I swore I heard Him say:
'I don't know the way
I don't know the way
home from Kigali.'
Does your heart know the way?
Does any heart know the way home from Kigali?'


In black light, in back rooms, down Ste. Catharine
into that soft abyss
under the weight of a naked stranger.
Between dances she lies back on me,
I smell her hair and her unknown skin
I brush dry lips along.
Then she smiles that sad smile
of all souls astray;
I want to ask her
but I know she'd say:
'No, I don't know the way
I don't know the way
home from Kigali.'
Does your heart know the way?
Does any heart know the way home from Kigali?'