Reconciliation

I want you to imagine that you're a child again, small and black
Frightened, bewildered and alone
Because yesterday an alien race to your childhood dreamtime place
Took you from the only life you've ever known
And your ears still ring to the sound of your mother's cries
As they tore you from her helpless arms
And your scared and angry father shouting why, why, why
Imagine that – if you can

It's the shame – shame – of a nation
And it's time – time – for reconciliation

I want you to imagine this – the mission's school with alien fists
Is clothed by the Christian's velvet glove
Where they preach about sin and teach you shame
Steal your past and change your name
And all they claim in the name of their God's love
So, when they tell you you're an orphan you believe it to be true
For they're the ones with the bibles in their hands
And the last small hope dies deep inside of you
Imagine that – if you can

It's the shame – shame – of a nation
And it's time – time – for reconciliation

Imagine people so advanced in their pride and arrogance
No culture has value but their own
And only they, the just and strong
Can judge what's right and right what's wrong
What truth shines on them and them alone

So, when the light of their truth falls on you one day
And all that you are is judged and damned
When for their own good they take your children away
Imagine that – if you can

It's the shame – shame – of a nation
And it's time – long past time – for reconciliation