Cry of Paine
2008
Tom Paine has been airbrushed out of British history books. Even in 2020 a TV programme about the French Revolution discusses the role of the Marquis de Lafayette mentioning the The Rights Of Man as if he were the author but not mentioning the true author: Thomas Paine. The two were leading protagonists in the American War Of Independence - and friends.
After his success in America, Tom's political reputation was such that he was invited to advise the Revolutionary leaders in France. After things turned pear-shaped in France he went back to America. He never returned to England. The seeds of revolution never took root in England possibly because of bitter memories of civil war barely one hundred years earlier passed through the generations.
The monarchy that Tom despised has changed so much that republican inclined Australia voted to keep it. Yet, America has become a plutocracy with the best of anything that money can buy. This includes political influence of a very subtle nature wielded by those that can afford it - the mighty Corporations.
The major tool that is used is frighteningly simple. The language - or more specifically the meaning behind it - has been corrupted. Political correctness now denies os free speech. In November 2020 an official of international football had to resign his post because he was not fluent in the jargon of race.
Chorus
Tom, Tom where are you now? Turning in your grave?
Your words once whispered in the ear now are shouting from the page.
Verse 1
International intrigue, long preceding James Bond
Across the Channel he’d venture, yes and far, far beyond
At the French Revolution, pleas for mercy he’d give
Death warrant nailed to his cell-door, fate declared he should live! Tom, Tom…
Verse 2
Please bear with me, hear some more
But his pen made him a traitor, philanthropy no defence
‘Crisis’ echoed a watchword, ‘Rights of Man’, ‘Common Sense’
The Founding Fathers looked to him, a budding nation to guide
Grateful America blessed him, in that country he died! Tom, Tom…
Verse 3
Please bear with me, hear some more
Well, back home England reviled him, terrible rumours were spread
Nonconformist by birthright, he’s painted redder than red
Dead, his word still too potent for his corpse to come home
Fearing a new revolution did they cast his bones to the foam? Tom, Tom…
Verse 4
Please bear with me, hear some more
Lost in commonwealth fervour, history blighted their hope
Bloodstained Roundheads of England found they could not cope
Time, they say, changes all things, breathe a sigh of relief
The monarchy he detested has changed beyond all belief! Tom, Tom…
Verse 5
Please bear with me, hear some more
Today, his ideas accepted, democracy is the word
Yet the voice of the poorest has no strength to be heard
Money, plutocrat power, ideals tattered and frayed
If he’d seen to the future, would he like what he made? Tom, Tom…
Verse 6
Please bear with me, hear some more
And were Tom here to advise them, could he find words they’d heed?
That monster from the Atlantic, spares no soul in its greed
The yoke of Banks’ corporate government is harsher than Monarch’s heel
Changes law in its favour - makes it legal to steal! Tom, Tom…
Verse 7
Please bear with me, hear some more
So, what of Nations United? Civilisation’s bad joke!
Helpless men in blue berets watch kids die in the smoke
Terrors rise like the Phoenix, funeral pyre their nest
Stolen hope of a future, death alone can bring rest! Tom, Tom…
Verse 8
Please bear with me, one more verse
Elected leaders kill justice and politics replace the truth
Can Tom’s heir fight “correctness” and give back a purpose to youth?
America was his birthplace, Africa makes its claim
To the latest “Messiah”, if he fails who’s to blame? Tom, Tom…
Chorus then coda:
Leave your soldiers at home and trust democracy