Gareth Jones Songs

SECURITY 21

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When we marched into the city,

The people stood and cheered.

But we sent them to the countryside

And many disappeared.

We took over an old building

Where the children used to run;

And we built the walls and wires of Security 21.

 

Many people joined us as the Party sent them there.

We told those who wore glasses

That they had nothing to fear.

Men and women sat there and told us what they’d done,

And we took their portrait photographs in Security 21.

 

I gave you bread and water, you had cabbages for tea; 

And now you can turn over

Because you have just asked me.

There are shutters on the windows

So you cannot see the sun;

Please lie down and wait your turn in Security 21.

 

I thought I heard you crying, but I think it’s just a noise

Made by water in the boxes that comes up to your nose.

I do not want to hit you, it really isn’t fun

To have to do such dreadful things in Security 21.

 

Razor wire stops you, no one can escape.

My countrymen are dying for the Communist estate.

If I did not have this uniform, if I did not have this gun,

I’d be tied to a metal bed in Security 21.

 

They said they’d kill my family, they said they’d get my wife.

My children will not live long if I don’t do as they want.

I know that I will be here when you go off to the Fields:

I am powerless to resist the Brothers forcing me.

 

And when the genocide is over

Some will live to count the cost.

I will have to trust my neighbour

Though two millions lives were lost.

I’m tired of all the killing and, when the revolution’s done,

I want to be home in my village, not in Security 21.