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from "A Public Thing" (2022) by Jay Gavan

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lyrics

The pyramids still stand, towering, impressive
Built by a million hands, slaves but still expensive
Civilized in bronze and iron
Empires forged in the Fertile Crescent
Hellenes to the north, heroic sons and daughters
City-states at war, black ships on the water
Mythology and ancient rhymes
Migrating hordes led Greek lambs to the slaughter

From the abyss, centuries out of mind
After this expanse of time, flowers come poppin’ through
Palaces collapse, leaving stones to build anew
Winter always comes, but spring does too

The poets sang the songs the dinner guests remembered
Tragedies were fuel for sophisticated embers
Astronomers gazed at the stars
Astrologers promised more than delivered
Comedy routines made light of the rulers
Freedom of speech livened water coolers
These weren’t just luxuries
But critical components sustaining the culture

From the abyss, centuries out of mind
After this expanse of time, flowers come poppin’ through
Palaces collapse, leaving stones to build anew
Winter always comes, but spring does too

Flowers in bloom will soon give up their petals
Star-spangles fade to rustic ornamentals
Songs about "the public thing"?
Worthless relics of the world that’s collapsing

credits

from "A Public Thing" (2022), track released February 15, 2022

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about

Jay Gavan Kalamazoo, Michigan

Jay Gavan is a musician, songwriter and history teacher who occasionally combines all three, as he does on his latest self-produced album, "A Public Thing" (2022)

Release Date:
Feb 15, 2022

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