Songtext Voices Judy Collins

Voices

Once upon a time in another world

on a hill that overlooked the sea

there was once a garden of beauty and of grace

lovely as a dream could ever be.

Then the roses bled and the lilies broke

on the day that death came to the garden

hidden in the flowers, meant to break the heart

flames that burst like blossoms in the garden.

Can't you hear the voices from across the sea

Calling from the ruins of the garden

Calling out to you, calling out to me,

Save us from the darkness that has fallen

On our lovely garden

Name them all by heart, name them one by one

Countries where a child has lost tomorrow

Count the deadly flowers in the fields and woods

Count them like a rosary of sorrow.

Can't you hear the voices from across the sea

Calling from the ruins of the garden

Calling out to you, calling out to me,

Save us from the darkness that has fallen

On our lovely garden.

Where the children played in the summer light

Running through the flowers on the hill

Laughter in their voices, hope within their hearts

Knowing they would live forever more.

I have seen a child barely five or six,

Counting bombs and tears, his childhood broken,

Give him back the garden, give him back his life

Give him back a world where love is spoken.

Let us join our voices far across the sea

Singing all together of the garden,

Let the roses bloom, let the lillies grow,

Let us live together for the children,

In our lovely garden.