Bill Sables was singing "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" the first time I heard it and cried. Big Mick was singing "There Were Roses" the first time I heard it and cried. I hesitate to submit this entry, but the first time I heard it I cried. I have never forgotten it. It is simple, yet powerful. To me at least.

LAST NIGHT I HAD THE STRANGEST DREAM
(Ed McCurdy)

Last night I had the strangest dream I'd ever dreamed before.
I dreamed the world had all agreed to put an end to war.
I dreamed I saw a mighty room and the room was filled with men,
And the paper they were signing said they'd never fight again.

And when the paper was all signed, and a million copies made,
They all joined hands and bowed their heads while grateful prayers were prayed.
And the people in the streets below were dancing round and round,
While swords and guns and uniforms were scattered on the ground.

Last night I had the strangest dream, I'd ever dreamed before.
I dreamed the world had all agreed to put an end to war.

*

When I awoke, 'twas but a dream, and peace a dirty word.
I tried to tell them of my dream, but not a word they heard.
And then I got me fighting mad, and I knew just what I'd do.
I'd fight nonviolently for peace, until my dream came true.

*

"Last Night I Had a Happy Dream" was given a new lease, when Ed McCurdy rewrote it as a peace song. The last verse was added by Linda Hirschorn.

Love, Annamill