Written by singer/songwriter Hamilton Camp in 1964, this song was most famously covered by Gordon Lightfoot (1966) and Quicksilver Messenger Service (1968).
Perhaps not as well known as other apocalyptic protest songs of the time, such as “In the Year 2525” (Xager & Evans 1969), “It's Good News Week” (Hedgehoppers Anonymous 1965), and “The Eve of Destruction” (P F Sloan 1964) it has never the less survived the last half century, delivering a message still relevant to our times.
I recorded this somewhat over-the-top version for no other reason than I really like the song.
Lyrics:
turn around, go back down, back the way you came
can’t you see that flash of fire, ten times brighter than the day
and behold, a mighty city, broken in the dust again
oh god, the pride of man lies broken in the dust again
turn around, go back down, back the way you came
Babylon is laid to waste, Egypt’s buried in her shame
their mighty men are beaten down, their kings have fallen in the ways
oh god, the pride of man lies broken in the dust again
turn around, go back down, back the way you came
terror is on every side, all the leaders are dismayed
for those who put their faith in fire, in fire their faith shall be repaid
oh god, the pride of man lies broken in the dust again
turn around, go back down, back the way you came
shout a warning to the nations that the sword of god is raised
on Babylon, that mighty city, rich in treasure, wide in fame
it shall cause thy towers to fall in a sea of fire and flame
oh god, the pride of man lies broken in the dust again
oh thou that dwell on many waters rich in treasure wide in fame
bow unto a god of gold, thy pride and might shall be thy shame
oh god, the pride of man lies broken in the dust again
and only god can lead the people back onto the earth again
thy holy mountain be restored
thy mercy on thy people Lord
