Story Behind The Song

A few years back, when these two very significant biblical locations: Nazareth and Bethlehem, had made the news as sites in the ongoing Palestinian/Israeli conflict, it seemed almost light years away from the peaceful New Testament accounts which hallowed these towns two millennia ago. "What does it all mean, and what can I do about it?" were two questions I wanted to answer in this song:

Song Description

Several glimpses at contemporary life, and some nostalgic peeks backward even in my own life, advise me that, like it or not, I've got to come to terms with things, and somehow make peace with them. Faith in God is the only recourse.

Lyrics

I read the paper one day, and I came away with a feeling I can't express.
Just tell me I'm wrong, there's no call for a song to raise up the level of stress.
"Whatever!" I cry, "Oh well!" I sigh, but the face in the mirror is grim,
'Cause they're building bombs in Nazareth, and shelling Bethlehem.

Just yesterday, we ran out to play with the neighborhood kids in the street;
No end of fun in the summer sun as our popsicles dripped in the heat.
But though we pine for the times behind, we can't go back to them
Now that they're building bombs in Nazareth and shelling Bethlehem!

But up on the Hill they're meeting still, surrounded by cameras and lights:
"Let's soothe our soul with another poll, and reaffirm our unalienable rights!"
But though they call for peace, and for wars to cease, and resolutions are passed to condemn,
They're still building bombs in Nazareth, and shelling Bethlehem!

Don't tell me things are gonna get better!
The writing on the wall is printed plain and clear.
We've been working to destroy the things that really matter;
Well it's done, and our eyes are too dry for a single tear.

So I'll dash the despair, and admit I care, and shake my fist in rage
At the times we're in, at that voice within that says, "You must come of age!".
But my soul rebels, and my heart repels something so dreary and grim
As bombs being built in Nazareth, and shells in Bethlehem!

What eyes behold, and ears are told, it serves us well to heed;
For God through circumstances tries with human hearts to plead.
For those who will, He grants them still, who place all faith in Him:
Sandaled feet in Nazareth, a Babe in Bethlehem.