Satellite Sky - Kate Taylor

Why do I lie awake at night

And think back just as far as I can

To the sound of my father’s laugh outdoors

To the thought of Sputnik in free-flight?

Before I could fashion my poverty

Before I distrusted the night

I must’ve known something

I must’ve known something

Those were the times I live for tonight

Why, why, why, I say Why, Mama, Why?

Why can’t I sleep in peace tonight

Underneath the satellite sky?

It can’t be easy for my children

I’m hollow before my time

It looks like a desert here to me

Where is the promise of youth for my child?

Where are the faraway kingdoms of dreams?

We’ve been to the moon and there’s trouble at home

They vanished in the mist with Saint Nicholas

They lie scattered to the ghettos and the war zones

Why, Why, Why, I say Why, Mama, Why?

Why can’t I sleep in peace tonight

Underneath the satellite sky

I want to stand out in the middle of the street

And listen to the stars

I want to hear their sweet voices

I want to feel a big bang rattle my bones

I want to laugh for my children

I want the spark to ignite

Before they find out what it means to be born

Into these times

Why, Why, Why, I say Why, Mama, Why?

Why can’t I sleep in peace tonight

Underneath the satellite sky?