The tourists depart from their bus and are eagerly greeted by the youth. With courage on both sides of this arrangement, hope abounds.
Common Ground
(Youth:)
Welcome, welcome to this land
Down this lane we live
You are here as witnesses
We are here to give
Something for your insight
Of what's wrong and what's right
In the midst of a fight
The ways that we must forgive
All around are olive trees
With their branches spread
Life abounds in every day
Who knows what's ahead?
Not too sure of our home
This is now what we know
Wish they'd leave us alone
We get these walls instead!
We know this is clear:
A solution's near
If we all want to work for it
It is clear as air
It is everywhere
Can you feel it inside?
It is common ground
And the sacred found
If we'd only believe in it
From the distant past
Promised peace will last
It is now we must try
(Tourists:)
This is all so new to us
What are we to say?
We are on a tour bus
And soon we're on our way
Like our baggage, there's fear
Confrontations so near
All the stories we hear
Have filled our hearts with dread
(Youth:)
We know this is clear:
A solution's near
If we all want to work for it
It is clear as air
It is everywhere
Can you feel it inside?
(All:)
It is common ground
And the sacred found
If we'd only believe in it
From the distant past
Promised peace will last
It is now we must try
We are in the Holy Land
Where we all now live
We are here as witnesses
We are here to give
Something for your insight
Of what's wrong and what's right
As we look to the light to guide us
One way everyday.
Written by David A. Buckley (SOCAN) © 2006 all rights reserved