WILLIAMS DAR

#----------------------------------PLEASE NOTE---------------------------------#
#This file is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the #
#song. You may only use this file for private study, scholarship, or research. #
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------##
#

Date: Sat, 16 Nov 96 23:42:59 CST
From: Ben Weiss 
Subject: CRD: Dar Williams, "The Christians and the Pagans"


THE CHRISTIANS AND THE PAGANS
On: Dar Williams, _Mortal City_
Words and Music: Dar Williams

CHORDS: G C Em D, repeated over and over throughout, sometimes held an 
extra measure for suspense.  Dar uses a capo on the second fret; I 
capo on the fourth.

Amber called her uncle
Said "We're up here for the holiday
Jane and I were having solstice
Now we need a place to stay"
And her Christ-loving uncle 
Watched his wife hang Mary from the tree
He watched his son hang candy canes
All made with Red Dye Number 3
He told his niece, "It's Christmas Eve
I know our life is not your style"
She said, "Christmas is like Solstice
And we miss you, and it's been a while"

CHORUS: So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table
        Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able
And just before the meal was served
Hands were held and prayers were said
Sending hope for peace on Earth
To all their gods and goddesses

The food was great, the tree plugged in
The meal had gone without a hitch
'Till Timmy turned to Amber
And said, "Is it true that you're a witch?"
His mom jumped up and said, "The pies
Are burning," and she hit the kitchen
And it was Jane who spoke and said
"It's true your cousin's not a Christian
But we love trees, we love the snow
The friends we have, the world we share
And you find magic in your God
And we find magic everywhere

CHORUS: So the Christians and the Pagans...
And where does magic come from?
I think magic's in the learning
'Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans
Only pumpkin pies are burning

When Amber tried to do the dishes
Her aunt said "Really, no, don't bother"
Amber's uncle saw how Amber
Looked like Tim and like her father
He thought about his brother
How they hadn't spoken in a year
He thought he'd call him up and say
"It's Christmas and your daughter's here"
He thought of fathers, sons and brothers
Saw his own son tug his sleeve
Saying, "Can I be a pagan?"
Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave"

CHORUS: So the Christians...
Lighting trees in darkness
Learning new ways from the old
Making sense of history
And drawing warmth out of the cold