Too Many Sons

Background

This song was written by Jon Chesey in 2020 and originally intended to be presented at the War Bard competition at Gulf Wars XXIX (2020) which was subsequently cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead, it was debuted during the B3R online bardic nights.

Lyrics

My first son was born on a bright summer morn,
With laughter as long as a hot summer day.
And when the wars came, I begged him, “Don’t go”
But glory called him, and he would not stay.
He left my arms, with a laugh and a dream,
On the battlefield, his laughs turned to screams.

Chorus
I’ve lost too many sons, to too many wars.
They’ve died far from home, on those far distant shores.
The needs of a mother are often ignored.
Now I’ll be a mother, No more. No more.
I’ll be a mother, no more.

My second to me in a cold winter freeze.
With a heart that could melt ice as fast as a flame,
And when the wars came, I begged him, “Don’t go”
But his spirit burned too hot for my words to tame.
On the battlefield a spear cold as ice,
Snuffed out that flame with a blow too precise.

Chorus

My third son I’d bring in the warm days of spring,
With skin like a lily and cheeks like a rose.
And when the wars came I begged him, “Don’t go”
But he’d not be turned from the path he had chose.
Given my choice I’d as soon raise a coward,
Then have the blood of my third son now water the flowers.

Chorus

Now three sons I’ve lost and they’ve measured the cost
Of a man’s life to a small bag of gold.
And when the wars come, I’ll say “I’ve no more.”
For the warmth I once carried is buried and cold.
Though it’s my sons who battled and there they were killed,
Make no mistake, it is my blood they spilled.

Chorus

Chords

Am, G
C, Em
Am, G
C, Em Am
F, C, Am
C, Em, Am

Chorus

Am, G
C, Em
F, C
Am, Em, Am, C
Am, Em, Am