Transcribed from the sound file at
http://www.mrsackroyd.com/thecivilisedworld.mp3

THE CIVILISED WORLD
Les Barker

How goes the war on terror, George? Is al-Qaeda under control?
Does the world know peace, freedom and justice? I think I'd say no, on the whole.

In the days after 9/11, the goodwill of the world was yours.
I might have opened a dialogue. I might have pondered the cause.

I might have considered the issues, asked what the solutions might be.
Beatin' the crap out of everybody never occurred to me.

But justice had to be done. George, who made that attack?
I think most of 'em were Saudis. Let's invade Iraq!

They showed no respect for the United Nations. They had only contempt for that forum.
You can't keep ignoring the UN like they did. We showed 'em how to ignore 'em!

But now Iraq's turned against us. I suppose it's what you'd expect.
Beatin' the crap out of everybody tends to have that effect.

There were links with al-Qaeda, you said. Iraq, not a chance, we said, never!
But thanks to your tactical awareness, George, you might just have pushed 'em together.

Remember the day the war ended? George, it just seems to drag on.
But we're goin' to liberate these people if we have to kill every last one.

How shall we win hearts and minds? Don't tell me, George. I think I know.
Beatin' the crap out everybody! I think we should give that a go.

Bomb the hospital, shoot the ambulance driver, knock the neighbourhood flat!
It's a good job they aren't real people. You can't treat real people like that.

Why not stop selling arms around the world, change the whole scheme of world trade,
Take a fresh look at Israel and Palestine? It's not what you want, I'm afraid.

We could build a new world based on justice, do things according to law.
Beatin' the crap out of everybody, it hasn't solved problems before.

How goes the war on terror, George? It's a war, George, can anyone win?
The world needs peace, freedom and justice. It's a long road, but why not begin?