Last night was one of those rare nights. One of the nights that does not merely go down in my personal history book, but one that shapes the way I see history entirely. I wonder often if I am useless here in this world of things that are so much bigger than myself. Wars of ideas. Wars of weapons. Tall glass buildings that house the very makers of our world whether we like it or not. The money flows that I can not comprehend. The anger and violence in the world that makes me frightened at our own capability. The love and kindess of the denizens of this planet pushing against the hate and virulence makes me hope that there are better days to come.
I digress. I went to see a concert last night.
One of the songs they played is called Sentinel. It's from their newest album, "Of Faith, Power, and Glory".
This video is just something that someone put together on youtube. But it's better than staring at a black screen while you listen to the song. For those not interested in electronic music, I hope you'll take a moment to appreciate the lyics and the messages they contain if nothing else. VNV Nation is probably the most intelligent band I've ever listened to.
The lyrics are below.
Can we say that we are free?
Our hands are bound and voices silent
I’m sure it’s not a dream
I am awake my eyes are open
I can’t accept and won’t concede
In aftermath we find redemption
The causes that are seized
And disguised revolution
Quell the rage that deeply seethes
The extremes of these devotions
Dismantle the machine
The device of their creation
I can’t accept and won’t concede
That this is who we are
The conflict that is seized
And disguised as greater notions
*To the songs that sing of glory and the brave
Are we dreaming there are better days to come
When will the banners and the victory parades
Celebrate the day a better world was won*
On the day
This storm has just begun
I will still hope
There are better days to come
*In the face of what I say
My words return to anger
Malevolence in need
Cannot provide direction
I won’t accept this thought
That this is who we are
Positions never change
Losing all forward motion
*And on that which deeply seethes
Temper your devotion
Dismantle the machine
The device of your convictions
I can’t accept and won't concede
That this is who we are
The conflict that is seized
And disguised as greater notions
To the songs that sing of glory and the brave
Are we dreaming there are better days to come
When will the banners and the victory parades
Celebrate the day a better world was won?
To the songs that sing of the glory and the brave
Are we dreaming there are better days to come
When will the banners and victory parades
Celebrate the day a better world was won?
On the day this storm has just begun
I will still hope there are better days to come
On the day this storm has just begun
I will still hope there are better days to come
----------------------
Victory Not Vengeance.
Their site: http://www.vnvnation.com