Misc Originals – Chris Rohmann - The Valley Of Death (Guitar)
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"I am a conscientious objector currently under arrest and awaiting trial for refusing induction. This song is
one of the reasons why." —Chris Rohmann, in The Vietnam Songbook (1969), edited by Barbara Dane and Irwin
Silber.
[Verse 1]
C D We marched on down to the valley of death Em D G through the screaming of the throng; C Am D Bm We heard the cries from the right and left. Em Am D But we knew the right from wrong. G Am We heard the songs and read the signs Bm D that warned what was to come; G C But our ears were wax, our eyes were blind Em Am D to all but flag and drum.
[Verse 2]
C D We marched on down to the valley of death Em D G And we dared not feel afraid; C Am D Bm We bowed our heads as our mission was blessed Em Am D And the chaplain loudly prayed, G Am Saying, "When these soldiers face the foe Bm D Across an open grave, G C Lord, give him strength to strike him low, Em Am D And may his soul be saved."
[Verse 3]
C D We marched on down to the valley of death Em D G through the ragged countryside, C Am D Bm And every town where we paused for breath Em Am D The people ran to hide. G Am It's us or them! It's do or die! Bm D It's conquer or be killed! G C So we burned their homes and raped their wives Em Am D And soon their graves were filled.
[Verse 4]
C D We marched on down to the valley of death Em D G And we met the enemy; C Am D Bm The thunder rolled through the falling flesh Em Am D So thick we could not see; G Am But we held our guns and closed our eyes Bm D And fortune moved our hands, G C Till the storm was past and the blackened sky Em Am D Shone down on No Man's Land.
[Verse 5]
(slowly)
C D They carried us out of the valley of death, Em D G There were tears on every face; C Am D Bm And they called up the men who were willing and fresh Em Am D And sent them to take our place; G Am And those of us who still could bleed Bm D Got bandages and bread, G C And those of us with no more need Em Am D Got pins and prayers instead.