We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

The Red White and Blue

by Beautifully Mad

supported by
thenewsouth
thenewsouth thumbnail
peterstorey
peterstorey thumbnail
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $2 AUD  or more

     

about

The Red White and Blue was written to raise awareness and financial support to sufferers of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) It was inspired by two inspirational friends who were soldiers. Two of the finest people I know, Graham Walker and Ian Bone. They have both spent enormous amounts of time helping soldiers with PTSD. It is a huge problem for the soldiers and their families and has been a taboo subject swept under the carpet of our society. The proceeds of this song will all go to helping sufferers. Enormous amounts of money are spent on war, but very little is spent on healing the victims of war. This is my version of the song and I am also trying to contact high profile singers to do a version of it to make it more internationally effective as an awareness campaign. I welcome any suggestions and particularly if you have any direct contact to high profile singers. You are welcome to donate more than $2 for the track if you wish.

lyrics

The Red White & Blue © Tony King 2016

I was a soldier
Fought for the red white & blue
But you can't un-see what you've seen
& you can't undo what they told you to do.

But what the army won't tell you
the war is worse when you're home
Your family don't know you
& you'd rather be on your own

They turned us into soldiers
We traded our pleasures for pain
& now my war is over
But all I see is the slain
What was chilling me
& now killing me
Is that they can't turn us back into
Fathers & mothers, sisters & brothers
& sons & daughters again.

I tried to sort myself out
With the shrinks, the pills & the booze
But old friends are keeping their distance
I came back with a short fuse

And my hand that had wiped out the enemy
The General is shaking with pride
But I'm spending my life in a jail of my own
Cause I can't kill the enemy inside

They turned us into soldiers
We traded our pleasures for pain
But now my war is over
& all I see is the slain
What was chilling me
& now killing me
Is they can't turn us back into
Fathers & mothers, sisters & brothers
& sons & daughters again.
They can't turn us back into
Fathers & mothers, sisters & brothers
& sons & daughters again.

I tried one last time for the kids
We holidayed in the rain
But how the hell
will this Jigsaw puzzle
Be put back together again.
I'm no bloody coward & I'm no disgrace
I tried til I was red white & blue in the face
But how the hell do we put this Jigsaw puzzle back together again.
How the hell do we put this Jigsaw puzzle back together again.

They can't turn us back into
Fathers & mothers, sisters & brothers
& sons & daughters again.

credits

released April 25, 2017
Written and performed by Tony King. © 2017
Drums by Gordon Rytmeister
all instruments by Tony King
Backing vocals by Nina Vox & Tony King

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Beautifully Mad image

Beautifully Mad Sydney, Australia

Breathtaking original music reminiscent of the beauty of James Taylor, some honey from Melody Gardot, a lyrical spice of Cohen washed down with some Waits-like humour. A musical flame that licks at the heels of Folk and Jazz

More detail of their history at www.beautifullymad.com ... more

contact / help

Contact Beautifully Mad

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Beautifully Mad, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Saxophonist Isaiah Collier chats about his new LP and the influence of Pharoah Sanders.
listen now