Searchlights - The Levellers

I see fences where there was no fence before

Flesh-tearing wire hasn’t even rusted 'round the door

Oh aye, the beauty that I could show to you

Outside in the distance I hear something coming through

Oh I said, outside in the distance there is something coming through

And outside in the distance where those searchlights don’t go

There’s an immigrant who’s crouching with the bundle of his clothes

The bushes start a-rustling, so he takes to his toes

Just singing «This is the last of my shows…»

Here, beyond the wire, you turn the water black

The men around you paid a weekly wage, just to turn you back

Oh how they keep their petty kingdoms well in view

Outside in the distance I hear something coming through

Oh I said, outside in the distance there is something coming through

And outside in the distance where those searchlights don’t go

There’s an immigrant who’s crouching with the bundle of his clothes

The bushes start a-rustling, so he takes to his toes

Just singing «This is the last of my shows…»

A crossroads is no crossroads when there’s but one route to take

Your fantasy of liberty is a red sign on the gate

I think these thoughts as I walk along a tree-lined avenue

Outside in the distance I hear something coming through

Oh I said, outside in the distance there is something coming through

And outside in the distance where those searchlights don’t go

There’s an immigrant who’s crouching with the bundle of his clothes

The bushes start a-rustling, so he takes to his toes

Just singing «This is the last of my shows…»