I Wish the Wars Were All Over

Tim's song, I Wish the Wars Were All Over Chosen by Joan Baez to be her last recorded musical statement-the last song on her farewell album "Whistle Down The Wind."

We are entering the end times for some of the biggest touring acts of the last several decades. Elton John, Slayer, Ozzy Osbourne and Kiss have made their respective “end of the road” announcements over the past few months, which are devastating enough, but one of the more tragic goodbyes is from folk legend Joan Baez. A forerunner of protest music and patron saint of social activism, who found her footing in the political hotbed of the 1960s, is in the midst of her “Fare Thee Well Tour” at a time when America needs her most. 

Her stark sentiments about the state of the world are reflected in her latest album, “Whistle Down The Wind,” featuring beatific covers of contemporary artists including the pensive acoustic strummer “I Wish The Wars Were All Over” (Tim Eriksen)

 

I Wish The Wars Were All Over

Down by deep water where sweet linden stand 
I saw pretty Polly wringing her hands 
The song that she sung made the whole grove to ring 
My Billy has left me to fight for a king 
And I wish the wars were all over 

I stood in amaze to hear what she said 
I'll follow my Billy whether living or dead 
The notes that she sung were the nightingale's notes 
How the lark and the linnet they warble their throats 
And I wish the wars were all over 

I said my dear Polly if you'll stay with me 
I'll make you as happy as happy can be 
No then she said that never can be 
I'll never be happy till my Billy I see 
And I wish the wars were all over 

Now from my parents I'll haste and away 
I'll dress myself out in a young man's array 
And every company that I pass by 
I'll ask for my Billy or where he does lie 
And I wish the wars were all over 
And I wish the wars were all over 

Source: Musixmatch 

Songwriters: Timothy W Eriksen 

I Wish The Wars Were All Over lyrics © Carthage Music Limited