Barbarians At The Gates

[Ray Brookes]

Dedicated to the people of Ukraine

Be still my love; the battle awaits
I swear I can hear the barbarians at the gates
The enemy is strong; a worthy opponent
Here am I in a Road To Damascus moment.
Keep that heart beating for me

No need for a steed; sabre or gun
With the jawbone of an ass I'll slay each one
A tooth for a tooth; an eye for an eye
See them run when they hear our battle cry
Keep that heart beating for me

Oh, take a draft from my flagon of ale
We'll chase the dogs down along this winding trail
It is written; thy will be done
Once the farmer now the warrior that I've become
Keep that heart beating for me.

[TPB]

Really liked this one well done brother soft harp in the back ground adds to the mood
Tim

[Pete C]

Really good song Ray - I was trying to understand the lyrics then spotted the dedication above them. It's all a senseless waste of lives on both sides to satisfy the ego of one man. Sad.

Pete

[StephenM]

I am really into the imagery of the lyrics and I know some of those stories too...
good stuff.

the song has an fun side to it... a kind of mountain country vibe... it's quite organic and I like it..
lots of interesting details along the ride.  The singer is good as any i have heard and then some!
really loving that accordion

[Redler]

Very touching lyrics to me...the Ukraine nation is fighting for us (The Finns). It's terrible to live next to criminal state, fortunately we are joining in Nato with in a few weeks...

Fine music and performance, as alaways.

[Kenneth]

The song touches the heart Ray, very beautiful and powerful. The situation is unbelievable and I personally feel for all the families and children who have lost their joy in their childhood.
Love the biblical references in the lyrics.

[thetworegs]

It's a terrible situation for the people of the Ukraine that we can all agree ... you've outdone yourself on this one Ray excellent lyrics love the chorus

[Ron D Bowes]

Sweet guitar strumming and nice understated blues harp. You always write such great and deep lyrics. A true wordsmith. And is that the dreaded banjo creeping in? LOl. Nice one Ray!

[BerryPatch]

Incredible song Ray! The atmosphere is tangible here. Outstanding production and haunting backing vocals and harmonica and organ. I love the full arrangement here, so comforting yet reflective.

[Johnbee]

Interesting combination of compelling lyrical content to a laid back country/bluegrass music background but it works and works so well.  Great piece of work.
  John B