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Al Stewart

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RUSSIANS & AMERICANS

So here we stand at the edge of 1984 
Bracing ourselves once again 
For the storm approaching as those 
Who long before huddled in caves from the rain 
The enemy's face is so hard to see 
Sometimes it seems that I see him in you 
Sometimes in me 
Who can he be? 
No use consulting the prophets and leaders they all disagree 

Russians and Americans, here's a song for you 
Who carry the weight of the world on your heads 
Russians and Americans, tell me if it's true 
You really believe all the things that you've said 
The red-white-and-blue running into the red 

From the wars of Europe, the pilgrim fathers 
Set off with their hopes and their bond 
Some settled down by the coast, others crossed 
The mountains and into the flatlands beyond 
From scramble and dust of Muscovite streets 
Merchants develop the trade routes, 
And open the door to the East. 
Pioneer waves 
Choked by the cold breath of winter, 
Or baked by the heat of the day 

Russians and Americans 
Passing through the fire of revolution and coming of age 
Russians and Americans 
Driven by desire, two players push to the front of the stage 
The whole world now watches each move that you make 

Two runners caught in the thrill of the race, 
The finishing line is as far as the stars that the satellites chase 
Why quicken the pace? 
Why does it seem that you choose to lose reason before losing face? 

Russians and Americans 
Driven by the past, the third world moves in the shadows you cast 
Russians and Americans 
Could turn the world to dust, so much to live for, so much undiscussed 
So much in common and so little trust 

From the streets of Athens and Rome the voices still echo to crumbling walls 
Look to the past and remember no empire rises that sooner or later won't fall 
Forever the changes we still have to face 
Some people say that a country is more and idea than a place 
Though nothing is safe 
We still choose the mark that we leave on the open canvas of space 

Russians and Americans 
Maybe you should see into the heart of the world, not its head 
Russians and Americans 
If you want to be the feet of the world, better mind where you tread, 
The footsteps of history are left where you step 

So here we stand at the edge of 1984

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© 2022 Al Stewart.

Front page photo: 📷 Randall Armor.

 

 

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notes
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  1. 1
    Antarctica 4:05
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  2. 2
    On the Border 3:46
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  3. 3
    Gina in the Kings Road 3:49
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  4. 4
    Last Days of the Century/Constantinople/Last Days 7:25
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  5. 5
    Year of the Cat 9:25
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  6. 6
    Genie on a Table Top 3:47
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  7. 7
    Night Train to Munich 4:25
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  8. 8
    Time Passages 6:35
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  9. 9
    House of Clocks 2:58
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  10. 10
    Roads to Moscow 8:45
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  11. 11
    Angry Bird 2:44
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  12. 12
    Coldest Winter 5:58
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  13. 13
    Princess Olivia 3:00
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  14. 14
    Hanno the Navigator 4:17
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