EVE OF DESTRUCTION


the eastern world it is exploding
violence flaring and bullets loading
you're old enough to kill but not for voting
you don't believe in war but what's that gun you're toting
and even the Jordan river has bodies floating
but you tell me over and over and over again my friend
that you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction

don't you understand what I'm trying to say
and can't you feel the fears I'm feeling today?
if the button is pushed there's no running away
there'll be no one to save • will the world in a grave
take a look around you boy • how they act and behave
but you tell me over and over and over again my friend
that you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction

yeah my blood is so mad it feels like coagulating
and I'm sitting here simply contemplating
I can't twist the truth : it knows no regulation
handful of senators don't pass legislation
and marches alone can't bring integration
when human respect is disintegrating
this whole crazy world is just too frustrating
and you tell me over and over and over again my friend
that you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction

think of all the hate there is in Red China
then take a look around to Selma, Alabama
ah you may leave here for four days in space
but when you return it's the same old place
the pounding of the drums • the pride and disgrace
you can bury your dead but don't leave a trace
hate your next door neighbor but don't forget to say grace
and don't you tell me over and over and over again my friend
that you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction

                                                     p.f.sloan