Once the War Is Over

once the war is over, there’ll be dancing in the street
won’t be no more enemies, only brothers and sisters to meet
the sun will shine the wine will flow, we’ll pick the ripened fruit
and never again feel upon our neck the cruel and bloody boot
the die will be recast, the darkness will have passed
and we'll be free at last once the war is over

there’s gonna be good dreams for everyone
no more nightmares in your head
where missiles blazed and bullets flew
there’ll be be sweet songbirds instead
all the fire and the smoke and the fury will fade
like a train rolling away
we’ll lay down to sleep each night
with the promise of a better day
there’ll be new bells to ring, brighter songs to sing
there'll be joy in everything once the war is over

now hear me brothers and sisters, up until that joyful day
just try to keep yourselves alive,
keep the murderous beast at bay
and keep that little candle of hope a-burning
people that’s the only way

we’re gonna follow a better path
ain’t gonna study war no more
we‘ll know it’s not the answer
we’ll stay clear of that evil door
we’ll ignore the voices of violence
we will not take their bait
we will not be seduced by monsters
preaching death and hate
the terror, the misery
and the evil will be rejected
won't be no more shining monuments
to warriors erected
we'll shine the light of peace
and see that righteous light reflected
once the war is over
once the war is over