Berlin in ’53 (Live at Cornerstone 1995)

Lyrics

[Spoken Intro: Bill Mallonee] Let's do "Berlin in '53." This next song is about my mom and dad. [Chris Donohue] Written in the key of G. In the people's key. [Bill Mallonee] It's the people's key, huh? [Chris Donohue] It's the people's key. According to Pete Seeger. [Bill Mallonee] I've got this picture of my parents. My dad was in the service. Berlin, 1953. He was a young lieutenant, second class. They'd been married about a year. Took my mom over to Berlin, and I got this photograph, and it looks great, and there they are, standing in the street, probably--probably more in love than they'd ever been before, and maybe ever been since. And life was young, and life was beautiful, and it was--it was spring. And this song is about--about them. It's called "Berlin in '53." [Chris Donohue] Man, that's--that's royal, with the crickets. [Verse 1] I have a photograph Detailing the matter Quite a formidable pair they were Full of grace and swagger Those smiles are disarming It's like a drowning sensation Their hands full of each other's Highly classified information [Chorus] Berlin in '53 A young lieutenant I admire He took his young bride up in his arms They set the whole city on fire [Verse 2] On fire it was Saved from distraction On fire indeed With their love and passion He covered her with kisses He adorned her with praise She took him unto herself They set the whole city ablaze [Chorus] Berlin in '53 A young lieutenant I admire He took his young bride up in his arms They set the whole city on fire [Verse 3] Tear down those walls When she walked by in that dress Melt all the stone hearts Melt the machine gun nests And let freedom ring In that bloc to the east Those two got a weapon They will soon unleash [Chorus] Berlin in '53 A young lieutenant I admire He took his young bride up in his arms They set the whole city on fire [Verse 4] Well, the devil, he roams The big machines, they rust Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall Trampled in the dust I saw it in that photograph They haven't stopped it yet Whatever Romeo whispered To his sweet Juliet [Chorus] Berlin in '53 A young lieutenant I admire, oh He took his young bride up in his arms They set the whole city on fire Took his young bride up in his arms They set the whole city on fire Took his young bride up in his arms They set the whole city on fire Took his young bride up in his arms They set the whole city on fire [Guitar Solo] [Spoken Outro] Thanks, and good night. Catch you later.