This city once had walls (2000)

This city once had walls and cannons that fired balls

and every city tower would signal by the hour

if children had to fear that enemies were near

this city once had walls           but they are gone

yet when I walk the streets I feel alone

the walls that once kept people

far apart

are standing still in every aching heart

This city once had gates at which you had to wait

the soldiers with their shields would never ever yield

to stragglers and the poor who showed up at the door

this city once had walls           but they are gone

yet when I walk the streets I feel alone

the walls that once kept people

far apart

are standing still in every aching heart

This city once was cold, all memories were sold

when voices in the hall announced a chilling pall

with boots that shook the floor and knocks upon the door

This city once was locked, all passages were blocked

the shadows cast a doubt on those who wanted out

and only next of kin had hopes of getting in

Then came another age when we built barricades

they came from far and wide to fill the rising tide

the hearts that fueled the fires were burning with desire

The squares are clear again a new life has begun

the doors are open wide and all can come inside

to satisfy themselves from overcrowded shelves

But something isn’t right, you feel it in the night

you sense it in the day, when faces look away

there’s too much to remind that some were left behind

and some can’t pay the cost of all that they have lost

this city once had walls            but they are gone

yet when I walk the streets I feel alone

the walls that once kept people

far apart

are standing still in every aching heart