(This song got its start in my notebook back in November, '04; the war in Iraq was "slogging along" back then, not getting much notice, while Decider-in-Chief's approval ratings hovered near 70%.
I had an idea for a melody in my head, but LittleNote had, as they say, a much better idea, and some fresh lyrics as well. So here's our first collaboration on a song since 1989. . . Malaproper)

verse one - refrain
Who will sing the peace songs
As soldiers go to war,
While folks stand by to cheer and wave
With patriotic gore -
Who will sing the peace songs?
It's up to you and me.
So find that song deep in your heart,
And dare to set it free.

(2)
Who will start the teach-ins
While others march to fight,
And folks stand silent, swamped by lies,
Looking for some light -
Who will start the teach-ins?
It's up to you and me.
Seek the truth deep in your mind,
And dare to set it free.

(3)
Who will be their prophet
While soldiers die in pain?
Who will stand and cry out loud
It's really all in vain?
Who will be their prophet?
It's up to you and me.
So hear the God within your soul,
And dare to set God free.

(4)
So who will sing the protest songs
Like bards of years gone by,
Who cared not if the crowds outside
Preferred their lullabyes?.
Who will sing the protest songs?
It's up to you and me.
Find the passion that you are
And live to be set free..

(5)
We sit before the TV screens
We watch in horror, mute
Soldiers march like cattle led
With costs we can't compute.
Who will sing the warriors' call?
Who will howl in this night?
Who will end this madness,
And make world peace our Right?

(6)
Get off your cans. Put down your cans.
Don't drown your fears away.
Let's give Truth and dignity
Time to live another day
So, Sing with me the protest songs
Let silence get real loud
Let's boom the airwaves with our sound
Let's have reason to be proud.

(Then #4 again)
So who will sing the protest songs
Like bards of years gone by,
Who cared not if the crowds outside
Preferred their lullabyes?.
Who will sing the protest songs?
It's up to you and me.
Find the passion that you are
And live to be set free..

copyright 2007 DTH and JRF