I was asked to write this song by Christy Moore in 2014. It was backstage after a benefit concert for the children of Gaza. I didn't know at first how I should go about it, but Christy gave me a print of a painting of Rachel by the artist Brian Maguire and I also got some material from the play 'My Name is Rachel Corrie' from my friend Hilary for inspiration.
Rachel Corrie was a human rights activist. It is 20 years since her death this year. In 2003, Rachel was in Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli military was demolishing Palestinian houses. In an attempt to stop the demolitions, she stood in front of an armoured bulldozer and was crushed to death by it.
lyrics
Verse 1:
When you arrived in Tel Aviv, how could you know you'd never leave?
On the road to Gaza and Rafah, you'd never been so far away from home.
In this prison in the open air, you talked and smoked and drank sweet tea,
You shared the laughter and despair of everyone still living there.
Chorus:
They told their tales of war and terror everyday; whispered warnings in your ears. "Ignore the weak and lost and let them fall away,
Oh Rachel! They gave you your name.
Verse 2:
You were scared and questioning this terrible beauty humans bring.
But you stood scared and you stood strong,
They turned your body into song.
What depravity took seed and grew, in the heart of the man who buried you?
Though he may never do the time, your sweet face will live on in his mind.
Chorus:
Your comrades wrapped you tenderly and tried to hold you.
The darkness all around us is deep.
You became part of the endless night but don't sleep!
Oh Rachel, they gave you your name,
Oh, oh, oh Rachel but they won't take any blame.
No, no Rachel, but they won't take any blame.
Oooh ooooh, oooh oooh.
Words and music by Victoria Keating.
credits
released November 3, 2023
Words and music by Victoria Keating.
Produced, mixed and mastered by Martin Leahy.
Vocals: Victoria Keating.
Harmony vocals, guitar, bowed banjo, drums, pedal steel guitar, shells, bass by Martin Leahy.
Victoria is a singer, writer and blogger from West Cork, Ireland. She has toured and recorded extensively with Christy Moore
and Declan Sinnott. Victoria's music is very individual, and engaging, she is as comfortable writing a protest song as a hymn; a medieval ballad or a rock song. Victoria writes and sings from the heart with a voice that will make you fall in love with her and her music....more
Mark's music is very individual. His lyrics are great and can be both humorous and moving. Mark has written some beautiful instrumental music that is gathering followers from all over the world. Victoria Keating
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