Oh Banyarwanda

from Oh Banyarwanda / Killing Me Killing You by the caretakers

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about

After studying and writing about the Rwandan genocide in my Peace Studies program at McMaster University, I was profoundly moved and disturbed by what had happened in this African country in the mid 1990s while our world more or less ignored the horrors and pleas of thousands. And although this song reflects on the tragic events of 1994, it is a song of joy and hope for the people of Rwanda, Banyarwanda.

lyrics

OH BANYARWANDA
Many tears have fallen ghosts still a callin' it’s gonna haunt ya
But school bells are ringing and everyone’s singing Banyarwanda

Where were you when the people cried and confessed
Did school bells ring did anyone sing what a bloody mess
Armchair pity blood on a city and so much despair
Most couldn't find it just left it behind 'cause we didn't care

Famine and feast, disease and deceased, I'm so sorry
Humanity caved, no one was saved, no Joshua story
Women and children one hundred days of killing so unholy
Just like the forties a never-ending story so chilling, so gory

No war today the West said OK, no war tomorrow
Scars haven't healed over the killing fields of blood and sorrow
No military police no fear on street no more radio warnings
No more grief just a long lasting peace let's sing good morning

credits

from Oh Banyarwanda / Killing Me Killing You, released September 3, 2012
Words and Music by Jeffrey C. Martin
Lead vocals • Lena Montecalvo
Backing vocals • Jeffrey C. Martin,
Mike Trebilcock, Michael Keire
Spanish guitar, banjo, percussion • Mike Trebilcock
Acoustic guitar • Jeffrey C. Martin
Bass • Carrie Ashworth
Drums • Dave Simpson

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