Black-and-white on the TV screen,
Young men chasing someone else's dream.
Letters home stained with dust and rain,
Mothers learning how to live with pain
Too many questions, too many goodbyes.
Every generation swears to see it through,
Back when old songs were new.
Nothing changes, only names and faces,
same old headlines, different places.
Round and round, the whole world turns,
Still we never seem to learn.
We keep writing yesterday's news,
Singing about the same old truth.
The years roll by, but the story stays the same...
When old songs were new.
Walls went up and missiles stood ready
Everybody prays they stay steady
Children hid their fears
Living in a shadow they will never forget.
lines drawn in sand,
Power resting in trembling hands.
Hope kept shining, though fear broke through,
Back when old songs were new.
Nothing changes, only names and faces,
same old headlines, different places.
Round and round, the whole world turns,
Still we never seem to learn.
We keep writing yesterday's news,
Singing about the same old truth.
The years roll by, but the story stays the same...
When old songs were new.
Ancient streets beneath modern skies,
Another child with frightened eyes.
Faith and flags, revenge and pride,
Leaving broken hearts on every side.
Every prayer sounds just the same,
Every family bears a name.
Peace feels close, then slips from view,
Like when old songs were new.
Maybe someday we'll break this chain,
Trade revenge for healing pain.
Until that morning finally comes,
We'll keep hearing history's drums.
Nothing changes, only names and faces,
Different headlines, same old places.
Round and round, the whole world turns,
Still we never seem to learn
If tomorrow's children ask us why,
May we finally tell the truth—
We've been singing the same sad refrain...
Since old songs were new
