- Holly Near's irrefutable anti-war song
FOOLISH NOTION
Why do we kill people who are killing people
To show that killing people is wrong
What a foolish notion
That war is called devotion
When the bravest warriors are the ones
That stand for peace
War toys are growing stronger
The problems stay the same
The young ones join the army
And general what’s-his-name
Is feeling full of pride
That the army will provide
But does he ask himself
Chorus
Death row is growing longer
The problems stay the same
The poor ones get thrown in prison
While warden what’s-his-name
Is feeling justified
But when will he be tried (when justice is denied)
For never asking
Chorus
Children are so tender
They will cross the earth if they think
They are saving a friend
They get drawn in by patriotic lies
Right before our eyes
They leave our home
And then they find out once they’re alone
They’re asking the age old question,
Why?
Words and Music by Holly Near
©1980, Hereford Music (ASCAP