Shadow of Unrest

3 weeks ago by @lizzyhardingham

Liner Notes

I've been lucky enough to work with some young people who have moved to the area from Ukraine, fleeing the war. Over the course of regular meetings for hobbies, they shared their stories with each other and talked about the things they had seen at home. One young man shared his feelings of gratitude to have a life that many of his Ukrainian school friends and neighbours haven't been able to. He was eloquent and reflective, in a way I've never experienced in someone so young.

I've wondered whether to write about it since and thought FAWM would be a supportive environment to try. I've tried to use things the children said and keep most of my artistic license to myself on this one.

Lyrics

There’s a shadow of unrest over the place I call my home
And my youthful eyes saw not the way a shadow grows
I thought it happened overnight but I know that’s a child’s perception
It was bubbling and brewing but my mother kept it from view
Now in the wake of sounds and sirens at last I see her deception
Because a shadow of unrest took my youth

I was far too young to understand our leaving
For my friends, my school, my street I was grieving
And I cried on the plane to England, for those that we left behind
I held tight to mother and father, I’d like to think that they had a plan
But they were just as scared as I was, the blind leading the blind
And I was far too young to be a man

3 years down the line and men are still out there fighting
There are kids in my school year who’s bodies will never come home
Now I’ve got my life here and I’m grateful for all right have
But I’ve a shadow of unrest of my own

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