When They Came For The Others
Format: Download
Release Date: April 2017
This song was inspired by a speech that Martin Niemöller, a German anti-Nazi theologian and pastor had given in the mid 40’s. In order for all of us to be safe we need to stand up for each other. Today ‘they’ are coming for 'them' but tomorrow it could be any of us.
Niemöller gave various versions of the speech over the years but this is the best known...
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me.
Sue and Dwight: Vocals, Guitars, Mandolin
Kevin Quain: Producer, Bass, Percussion
Lyrics:
Sue Peters (c) 2017
When they came for the others
She quietly looked away
I am not an activist
I don’t have much to say
I am just one person
In a world of millions more
What am I supposed to do
That’s not been done before
When they came for the others
He didn’t have the time
I am not an activist
I’m a young man in my prime
I’ve got to climb that ladder
While the ladder is still there
Anyway, shouldn’t they know by now
That life’s not fair
When they came for the others
She did not say a word
I am not an activist
I doubt that I’d be heard
What’s the point in pushing back
When they’ve made up their minds
And maybe we’re not ready yet
For people of their kind
When they came for the others
They did not lend a hand
Said they were not activists
Couldn’t fight against the man
And then one day they came for them
And much to their surprise
Suddenly they’re activists
Fighting for their lives
When they come for the others
We need to give a damn
Fight for equality
Do everything we can
Everyone around the world
Fighting the good fight
All of us activists
Trying to make things right
All of us activists
Trying to make things right
When they come for the others
We need to give a damn
