Debra Cowan - Lili Marlene Walks Away Lyrics
Joseph is the legless soldier selling souvenirs of the warOutside a bombed out church where no one wants to worship anymoreBeneath the houses and the ruined flatsWomen and children crouch like cellar rats“Give us our daily bread” they prayLili paints her nails, puts on her nylons and prepares to walk awayLili Marlene walks awayJesus is the old woman begging on the corner of the streetWhere little children sell themselves to anyone for a bite to eatA piece of chocolate or chewing gumA candy bar or any little crumb“Our Father, where art thou?” they prayLili combs her hair puts on her party dress and turns to walk awayLili Marlene walks awayMaria is the virgin on the mattress in a backroom up the stairsDisciples come in queues at night to kneel between her legs and offer prayersA pack of cigarettes buys innocenceA jar of coffee for the sacraments“Forgive our trespasses” they prayLili checks her lipstick gives her brightest smile and quickly walks awayLili Marlene walks awayHow to buy the milk to feed his baby growing in her every dayA quick encounter on a dustbin lid along a lonely alleywayAgainst a barrack wall at dead of nightCommunion underneath the broken light“Thy kingdom come to us” they prayLili smoothes her stockings in a state of grace and slowly walks awayLili Marlene walks awayLili Marlene walks awayLili Marlene walks away