Song Notes: War Stories
Peter talks about
the lyrics:
The spark of inspiration for this song came from a discussion with a friend
of mine who had recently returned from a far off land after being away
for many years. He regaled me with tales of debauchery that were often
sad and pathetic and left me feeling down. I initially wanted to write
a song about not wanting to hear anymore drug and booze stories, but I
realized that all those these stories had the power to make one nauseous
they were also quite compelling. You know … everyone likes to hear
a good tale of intoxicated loutishness as long as they don't turn into
tragedies. When I started writing the song it soon morphed into something
which spoke to the duality of drugs and how that initial spark of enthusiasm
and creativity can often devolve into something much less enticing.
Stephan talks about
the music:
I remember hearing this song when Peter's former band - The Crash 80's
- regrouped to play for a local punk scene revival event. Seeing him and
his friends playing and knowing that they spent a week holed up in some
basement writing new songs simply for the challenge, was something that
I really wanted to enjoy again. I was jealous. Fortunately, it expressed
itself in a productive way and I bought an out-of-tune piano so that I
can play again. The months following, we all got together to play for
Louie-Palooza, a bitter sweet moment in my time as a musician. We played
this song for that gig, hence my small contribution to a song that should
resonate with any middle aged person who has experienced life's 'way finding'
moments gone awry in their youth.
Johnny said I'm gonna
sit right under this tree
Just like the Buddha did
Just like the Buddha did
Johnny said I'm gonna sit right under this tree
That's what he said
Just before he passed out
Johnny said I'm gonna
walk on the water
Just like Jesus did
Just like Jesus did
Johnny said I'm gonna walk on the water
That's what he said
As he sunk like a stone
(chorus)
Drugs and booze
Drugs and booze war stories
Johnny said I'm gonna
slay this giant
Just like David did
Just like David did
Johnny said I'm gonna slay this giant
That's what he said
Just before he got the shit beat out of him