Russians & Americans Songtext

von Al Stewart

So here we stand at the edge of 1984
Bracing ourselves once again,
For the storm approaching as those
Who long before huddled in caves from the rain

The enemy's face is so hard to see
Sometimes it seems that I see him in you
Sometimes in me
Who can it be?
No use consulting the prophets and leaders they all disagree.

Russians and Americans
Here's a song for you, who carry the weight of the world on your head.
Russians and Americans
Tell me if it's true, you really believe all the things that you've said
The red-white-and-blue running into the red

From the wars of Europe, the pilgrim fathers set off with their hopes and their bond,
Some settled down by the coast, others cross the mountains and into the flatlands beyond.
From the scramble and dust of Muscovite streets
Merchants develop the trade routes, and open the door to the East
Pioneer waves
Choked by the cold breath of winter, and baked by the heat of the day

Russians and Americans
Passing through the fire of revolution and coming of age
Russians and Americans
Driven by desire, two players push to the front of the stage
The whole world now watches each move that you make

Two runners caught in the thrill of the race
The finishing line is as far as the stars that the satellites chase
Why quicken the pace?
Why does it seem that you choose to lose reason before losing face?

Russians and Americans
Driven by the past, the third world moves in the shadows you cast
Russians and Americans
Can turn the world to dust, so much to live for, so much undiscussed
So much in common and so little trust

From the streets of Athens and Rome the voices still echo to crumbling walls.
Look to the past and remember that no empire rises that sooner or later on't fall
Forever the changes we still have to face
Some people say a country is more and idea than a place
Though nothing is safe
We still choose the mark that we leave on the open canvas of space

Russians and Americans
Maybe you should see into the heart of the world, not its head
Russians and Americans
If you want to be the beat of the world, better mind where you tread
The footsteps of history are left where you step

So here we stand at the edge of 1984