SONG FOR A NEW YEAR



One evening so silent as I was out walking

I spied an old woman sat down by a tree

And as I drew nigh her I could hear her soft talking

These wishes she made for the child on her knee.



First I'll wish that in peace you may always be living

Oh never to kill at a sergeant's command

For king or for country's no reason for giving

Your life and your blood in some far away land



May you be your own master let no man control you

Whether tyrant or government or factory or farm

No matter the wages they'll pay to console you

To slavery's order n'er lift a strong arm



Good health be your fortune no gift can excel it

But guard it from those who would take it away

In mills mines and factories they'll force you to sell it

For industries profit most dearly you'll pay



And the last of my hopes is for friendship and kindred

For the love of companions is our greatest need

And though you may live to the age of 100

It's young you'll remain while friendship succeeds



So now lads and lasses come lift up your glasses

And drink a good health to our children so dear

To peace free from classes while history passes

To friends and to loved ones a happy new year



@seasonal @political

filename[ SONGNYR

DC

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