Dar Williams song, "Empire"

[hyphenate]

I had no familiarity with this singer until recently when I ended up downloading this song by accident. (I must have been looking for something that included the word "empire" when I did a search)

I don't know how many people know this artist, but evidently she is well known with some people and is a pop/folk singer.

I'm printing the lyrics to this song. Williams wrote it herself, and she wrote it recently--it's from her latest album and it's all socially and politically relevant. In the following lyrics, while you read them, substitute "son" for "sun" and shudder at exactly how politically significant it really is: she has pegged GWB to a tee.

EMPIRE

Capo IV

Who's afraid of the sun
Who would question the goodness of the mighty
We who banish the threat
When your little ones all go nighty nighty
Well there's no time for doubt right now
And less time to explain
So get back on your horses
Kiss my ring and join our next campaign

And the Empire grows
With the news that we're winning
With more fear to conquer
And more gold thread for spinning
Till it's bright as the sun
Shining on everyone

Some would say we've forced our words
And we find that ingeniously churlish
Words are just words
Don't be so pessimistic, weak and girlish
We like strong, happy people
Who don't think there's something wrong with pride
Work makes them free
And we spread that freedom far and wide

And the Empire grows the seeds of its glory
For every five tanks
Plant a sentimental story
Till they worship the sun
Even Christ loving ones

And we'll kill the terrorizers
And a million of their races
But when our people torture you
That's a few random cases
Don't question the sun
It doesn't help anyone

But the journalists cried out
When it was too late to stop us
Everyone had awakened
To the dream they could enter our colossus
And now I'm right, yeah, you said I'm right
There's nothing that can harm me
Cause the sun never sets on my dungeons or my army

And the Empire fell on its own splintered axis
And the Emperor wanes as the silver moon waxes
And the farmers will find old coins
In their strawberry fields
While somebody somewhere twists his ring
And someone kneels
Oh, where is the sun shining for everyone?
Where is the sun shining for everyone?

[Ready4Change]

1. I loved the album "Honesty Room"

Good mix of thoughful/playful stuff.

But haven't gotten anything else of hers. When I sampled them on listening stations they seemed too much on the thoughtful side, without enough playful. Or maybe I've just become more cynical?

[C_U_L8R]

2. Dar's Great

Simple and inspiring songs... wonderful wit & whimsy
She draws a lot from her childhood.

You have to see her live show...
her recordings (though great) don't do her full justice
plus she tells fun stories between songs.

[momzno1]

3. Dar is great

she was my brother's roomate in Somerville MA for awhile before she became "big". Her albums are beautiful and thoughtful in terms of lyrics. Thanks for posting that.
Daphne