Lyrics 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.