I wrote this song in October of 2001... a few weeks after the terrorist attacks. It doesn't address the violent event directly, but it does touch on the general issue of aggression and the loss of life. The lyrics are based on historical fact, and involve an ironic twist; the vicims in the song were Moors (Muslims from northern Africa, living in southern Spain), and the aggressors were Vikings (Crusaders and pirates, pillaging and plundering along the coastal areas). This is NOT, however, a song about karmic cause-and-effect (at least with respect to religion or race in our present time), but it does have to do with the concept that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
"GIBRALTAR"
Counting clouds today, slowly drifting by-
Birds fly away in the early morning sky.
Wished I had wings in times like these-
Sometimes the safest place to be is high!
I can tell The Rock is falling-
See smoke from my window...
Extra-ordinary day!
My older brother- strong and brave-
Guards the southern wall, which caught the first wave.
Invaders come and go, but not like these.
Sometimes you die for what you cannot save!
I can tell The Rock is falling-
See smoke from my window...
Extra-ordinary day...
music and lyrics copyright 2001 and published 2005 by Michael Lofton
