“So Far Away” Lyrics

“So Far Away” is a song I wrote.  I was inspired by the departure of an army officer who, as demanded by his country and commission, left his wife and two young children for a year to serve overseas.  I imagined also the sacrifice not only of this fine man, but all others who have sacrificed for their countries.  But, additionally, I thought of the sacrifice of wives, parents, and children of those left home, and often left to grieve without end. 

I wrote the song in the key of C in common time (4/4).  It was performed twice at Tacoma’s Antique Sandwich Shoppe in January, 2015 by my little combo “The Mad Hatters”.  The song consists of five verses and a bridge.  I can speak in front of hundreds of people, and play guitar and sing in front of dozens of people, but put any kind of recording device in front of me and I freeze up, and my hands become clumsy.  The experience is confounding and painful.  Perhaps someday I will overcome it, but until then, I present to you the lyrics alone.

1. Sunday morning, Daddy’s princess smiles bravely posing for a photograph.
Taken by Mommy — sometimes Mommy’s sad and lonely — but she soldiers on each day. Daddy was taken by his country, taken to a country so far away.

2. A son waits hidden in a shelled out village somewhere — Europe — just another day.
Cradling rifle, another son is in his crosshairs — just his duty don’t you see?
A single motion leaves a father grieving, grieving in a country so far away.

BRIDGE
Parliaments and presidents strike up the pipes and drums, and those in their service march along. All march in fraternity, some march as the enemy, yet in each heart there beats a simple song: A song of love for family, hope for peace, and certainty their sacrifice will right the present wrong — and sing a song of home so far away.

3. Sunday Liturgy. Daddy’s name is called out clearly in the Fervent Litany.
Communed by Father, Daddy’s soldier smiles slightly, crosses self so piously.
Rustling leaves out in the churchyard also pray for Daddy so far away.

4. Fading photo — monument upon her mantle, sister-kissed lovingly each day.
Sunshine, palm trees, smiling broadly flashing peace sign — respite from an asian hell.
Crack of gunfire, mortars bursting, he’d fallen in a country so far away.

BRIDGE
Parliaments and presidents strike up the pipes and drums, and those in their service march along. All march in fraternity, some march as the enemy, yet in each heart there beats a simple song: A song of love for family, hope for peace, and certainty their sacrifice will right the present wrong — and sing a song of home so far away.

5. Sunday evening. Good news over cell phone ringing, voices stumble, tears of joy.
Flight arriving for a baggage claim reunion kisses blow away their fears.
Daddy is home for birthday parties, home from a country so far away.

In Christ,
Fr. Irenaeus