We Raised Our Glasses

[Ray Brookes]

We sat in the bar all young lads and lasses
We spoke a few words then raised our glasses
To toast absent friends and family members
And to other heroes no-one remembers
The fighters against evil, the fighters against fascists
We raised a toast and raised our glasses

The room thick with smoke the air as dense as molasses
We spoke a few words then raised our glasses
To mothers and fathers. To aunts and uncles
To our quirks and foibles; our bumbles and fumbles
To our mistakes and chaos. Our train-wrecks and crashes
We raised a toast and raised our glasses

A cross section of society; a mix of classes
We spoke a few words then raised our glasses
To King and country and all in between
To where we were going and to where we had been
To the well-medalled field marshals, all braid and brasses
We spat in the dirt and then bared our asses.

Now the TV spews news just bullshit for the masses
Empty is the bar and empty are the glasses
Young friends have long gone, some sentiments reversed
New youths slouch here now; old values dispersed
And maybe one day when my own time passes
Someone, somewhere will raise their glasses.

[hardlock]

Very nice! Love the 3/4 meter - Irish vibe maybe(?). Sweet!

[danthecoat]

I like this and i like the clever lyrics

[StephenM]

I keep getting interrupted trying to hear this.  I read the lyrics before listening. 

incredible song really again Ray.  I love that banjo over in the far side of the ear and maybe a mandolin in the other, and the subtle keys.... amazing mix...

love the backing vocals... Merle fest is happening here in NC this weekend... I am quite sure they would love you right on one of the many stages that will happen .... it's a huge event and thousands and thousands attend the 3 day event

on the other note::: raise one for me if I kick off first and vice-versa!

INCRED^{IBLE _{WORK RAY}}

[chapperz66]

Bloody marvelous, Ray. So much to like about this.  A great song, brilliantly performed and produced.

Made my day.

Paul

[tonyc]

brilliant ray ,superb lyrics and mix ,loved it, more please ray .....cheers tony cee

[SE]

Big respect on the writing and production, what a great recording and mix.
On the performance, I enjoyed it very much you've caught a melancholic vibe the suits the song to a tee.
Great song, loved it!

[Rene Asologuitar]

Your lyrics are very nice to listen to, very sophisticated, and lovely.
The melody of this song has class and noticeable poetry attached to it.
Vocals are exquisite.
You are a true artist.
Thanks for sharing your talent.
Rene

[TPB]

And a toast to you brother outstanding to ahh rah
Tim

[BerryPatch]

Absolutely powerful track Ray. That repeated refrain is particularly chilling, the lyrics cut straight to the heart. I feel like I don't have other than is a phenomenal track, lovely tribute to what's going on in the world.