First Line: 
Don't beat the drum, that frightens the children

Reference

Topic: 
Culture: 

About the Song

Recorded by Sands in 1997 and included on the Appleseed recording "Sarajevo to Belfast". It is also included on Sands' 2006 "The Heart's Wonder" album on Green Linnet Records. Sands' cousin Clare sang the song at the Library of Congress in 2023.

Don't beat the drum, that frightens the children
Don't sing the songs about winning & losing
Sit down beside me, the green fields are bleeding
Sing me the music of healing
Sing me a song of a lover returning
The darker the night, the nearer the morning
Bring me the news of a new day that's dawning
Sing me the music of healing
C - F C / - - G - :// (3x) C - F C / C G C - 

Ah, the heart's a wonder
Stronger than the guns of thunder
Even when we're torn asunder
Love will come again
G - F G / - - F C / - - F C / G - C - 

Sometimes the truth's like a hare in the cornfield
You know that it's there but you can't put your arms around it
All we can hope for is follow its footprints
Sing me the music of healing
Who would have thought I could feel so contented
To learn I was wrong after all of my rambles?
I've learned to be hard & I've learned how to tremble
Sing me the music of healing

Somehow the cycle of vengeance keeps turning
Till each other's sorrows & songs we start learning
Peace is the prize for those who are daring
Sing me the music of healing
Time is your friend, it cures all your sorrows
But how can I wait till another tomorrow?
One step today & a thousand will follow
Sing me the music of healing

—lyrics & music by Tommy Sands (v. 2 by Pete Seeger)
(c) 1999 Elm Grove Music. All rights reserved.