Also inspired by a photograph from California, and a songwriting challenge from the Indy Folk Series, this song explores our relation with the planet via an intermediary, Superman.
lyrics
Superman’s Lament
What now? ... the land-lines are down
Power’s gone off, at least on this side of town
Stores are boarded up, the phone booth is broke
Superman’s got nowhere to change, is this some kind of joke?
I woke up from a bad dream, the sky was ashen grey
I still remember one scene, like it was yesterday
The forest was aflame, the town wasn’t safe
Superman made it rain, the mighty hero saved the day
Across the sea flood waters came, threatening the helpless
The Man of Steel true to his name, helped the people in distress
With the coastal cities sinking, and the bridges falling too
He jumped in without blinking, Superman to the rescue
So many generations, asleep at the wheel
Industrial nations, were in on the deal
But now there is a price to pay, and Superman can’t save us
Planet Earth has been betrayed, we all know this much
Superman can’t save the day, that part’s up to us
Over in Paris, they’ve signed some accord
Too little too late, for the rising storm
We thought it’d last forever, wouldn’t give up our cars
Only billionaires survive … on a rocket ship to Mars
What now? … the phone booth is gone
Superman’s got nowhere to change, so he can’t move on
Sidewalks are crumbling, the railings are bent
Clark Kent’s at the office, he’s gotta pay the rent
Lois Lane’s working from home these days, Superman’s Lament
credits
from Turf Wars,
released January 6, 2022
6. Superman’s Lament (Words by Joe Peters & Liz E. Brooks, music by Joe Peters)
a. Michael Kelsey: guitars, bass
b. Joe Peters: vocals
c. Liz E. Brooks: cello
Joe Peters/The Joedai WarriorsWalnut Creek, California
Joe Peters is an American singer-songwriter who has released a dozen CDs of original music since 1998. Joe grew up in the
Midwest during the late 60s and early 70s, and his songs hearken back to a time when young people sought the experience of peace, love and adventure and expressed this search in their music. Joe has moved to the Bay Area of California, where he continues to write and perform....more
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