back from being gone
studio album
concept development
lyrics
the anabasis
back from being gone
studio album
released november 22, 2011
© 2011 10t records
music by barry thompson
words by george andrade
The songs of The Anabasis Suite are based upon three great ancient civilizations - the Roman the Norse and the Egyptian - and attempts to tell the story of and also comment upon how "simple men thrown upon the stage" of history, through their selfish actions, had affected the lives of the people living along the malls, along the fjords and along the Nile under their rule. In the process, we hoped to hold a mirror up to our own lives (microcosm) and our relationships with our respective societies and governments (macrocosm).
The whole album, indeed, is a reflection on modern society and the legacy of the past, with its seemingly endless cycles of ascent, decline and fall – closely intertwined with an intensely personal story of fall and redemption.
The Anabasis came together in 2009, when Barry Thompson (music) approached George with the idea of merging a personal story of falling from grace and ultimate redemption with that of a sociopolitical story of the avarice, lust, betrayal and self-destructive impulses that riddle and affect our public existences, while also highlighting the hope that can release us from such travails. Really. The album was named “Back from Being Gone,” and The Anabasis was born.
george looking parched (2011)
track list
“ … a reflection on modern society and the legacy of the past, with its seemingly endless cycles of ascent, decline and fall.”
lyrics
rome
(I) prologue
in her place
creased skin at the eye
my mother looks out
another ancient sky
crawl and uncover with pick, trowel and brush
dare to decipher what is unknown to us?
my mother’s eyes – they rise
“Look at the stars – they’re ours”
(II) back to the future I
sublimation, we march to bring a new day
sex and debauchery up on the hill
termination, suicides and assassins hold sway
treachery welcomed yet traitors’ blood spilled
Augustus Caesar
“I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble.”
duplicity, language spoken as if poem
orations that move men to action and tears
conspiracy, shadow men drive the point home
lay bleeding and dying, there are no more fears
Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (Caligula)
“Would that the Roman people had but one neck”
superstition, uniting altar and throne
the banner of church flies with state o'er the land
obfuscation, extinguished lamps that once shown
prowl round the temple, drawn sword in your hand
George W. Bush
“If this were a dictatorship, this would be a heck of a lot easier. Just as long as I’m the dictator”
(III) sands of time I
in her place
creased skin at the eye
my mother looks out
another ancient sky
crawl and uncover with pick, trowel and brush
dare to decipher what is unknown to us?
roman Empire
language, theater and art
there are reasons
that have set us apart
crawl and uncover with pick, trowel and brush
dare to decipher what is removed from us?
(IV) the final word?
antiquity was prone to see
the ambition and the agency
simple men thrown upon the stage
selfish actions and we turn history’s page
when they were in power, reports falsified
through terror, and then after death we amend -
in irritation and hatred …
what that you’ve written can we possibly defend?
Julius Caesar
“If you must break the law, do it to seize power: in all other cases observe it.”
crawl and uncover with pick, trowel and brush
dare to decipher what is buried from us?
(V) playing with fire
exaggerated, we think our lives are so grand
a little light music is what we desire
degenerated, we draw the bow in our hand
and play a tune in the warmth of the fire
(VI) along the malls
exaggerated, we think our lives are so grand
a little light music is what we desire
degenerated, we draw the bow in our hand
and play a tune in the warmth of the fire
my mother’s eyes – they rise
“Look at the stars – they’re ours”
Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus
“What an artist the world is losing in me…”
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lyrics
fly
I evaded - I rationalized
on the streets fought to capitalize
greed for substances sold out my soul
my words were a dish always served cold
watch me fly to the heavens
watch me laugh in your face as I play you and not care at all
want to fly in the heavens
want to release myself from the hell that’s become my life’s call
do I daresay to ask and be bold
that I desperately want to grow old?
but the albatross hung upon me
won’t release me – won’t let me be free
I would fly to the heavens
I would have my wings melt as I flew to the sun and then fall
now I’ll fly in the heavens
I will jump from a high place and unfold my wings when I stall
~ solo ~
I succumbed to my disparate needs
and now I reap this desperate seed
infestation I find all around
bitter harvest I’ll burn to the ground
watch me fly to the heavens
watch me laugh in your face as I play you and not care at all
I would fly to the heavens
I would have my wings melt as I flew to the sun and then fall
want to fly in the heavens
want to release myself from the hell that’s become my life’s call
now I’ll fly in the heavens
I will jump from a high place and unfold my wings when I stall
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“ …a cut above the rest in terms of lyrical content, which is genuinely thought-provoking and accurately researched without being overly pretentious”
lyrics
carpe diem
the day away, no more in sight
words unspoken to your children and wife
roads uncharted and inland seas
held the things you always wanted to be
you had felt it in your heart, you had known it in your mind
you closed doors right from the start, empty chambers left behind
so many mysteries in this life seem to hide from us somehow
the journey’s wracked with pain and strife, leaves us clinging to the bow
your head buried in your hands and you don’t know where to turn
your heart yearns for distant lands far from the anchor at the stern
“Two roads diverge in yellow wood”, you’ll never know unless you try
you’ll always wonder if you should, “I’ll take the one less traveled by”
and there’s a magical surprise in the moments that we share
that the comfort we most prize is when there’s silence in the air
so set sail upon the sea, don’t be afraid to live your dreams
and you’ll finally get to see that life is better than it seems
this is the day, this is your life
speak those words to your children and wife
chart the course, hold steady and true
seize the things were always meant there for you
self-abuse is not the cure, just get up and heed the call
‘cause we never can be sure when we’ll take that final fall
what in yourself you do not use will surely rise and destroy you
put an end to the abuse , you only have what’s yours to lose!
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lyrics
vikings
fade in SFX
longboats on heavy seas in a storm…
thunder and lightning…
long boats breaking the tops of broad ocean swells…
the great boat’s wood creaking and moaning…
Sentry
“Land!“
Captain
“Break sail!”
Helmsman
“Oars!”
Monastic Choir
caput tuum in minibus tuis conditum
carpe diem
cor tuum terras longissimas desiderat
carpe diem
viae duae in silva flava devertuntur
carpe diem
semper miraberis si agas
carpe diem
SFX
oars under the strains of men pulling…
Captain
“Hold your course!”
Helmsman
“Steady!”
Captain
“Hard!“
Helmsman
“Speed!”
Captain
“Another wave!”
Helmsman
“Pull!”
Narrator
(spoken)
With the decline of the Roman Empire, and in the wake of her withdrawal in 410 AD, the breakdown of law and civilization upon the Northern European continent was swift and devastating.
In Scandinavia, the burgeoning population could no longer be supported by its agricultural fields and livestock holdings, and disappearing trade routes with Rome had led to unfair pricing and exploitation from trading partners.
The Viking – an Old Norse verb meaning “to go on an expedition” - emerged from this generally peaceful people, and the longships originally intended for trade soon became ideal raiding craft.
These were expert navigators who knew that the coasts of England harbored many wealthy and undefended townships, and that monasteries in particular were isolated and rich.
The broad draft of the longship was ideally suited to land without the need for a harbor or pier, and they were uniquely capable of exploring navigable rivers for villages nestled along the banks.
There was almost nowhere they could not go, and due to their superiority at sea and lack of any naval opposition throughout Western Europe, the Viking longship sailed freely and indiscriminately.
The earliest documented raid by the Vikings began in 793 at Lindisfarne, England.
(i) lindisfarne abbey 793Ad
long oars pull hard against the night
broadswords lay sharpened for the fight
shields are hung along the ship’s carved rail
damp woolen clothes under heavy chain mail
rain down fire, bring axe to the feast
“Oh, why has God unleashed this beast?”
all aware their actions are bold
“This island abbey is rich with treasure and gold!”
we’re bringing war to a distant land!
we’re bringing war!
monks are tortured and they’re enslaved
some are tossed to drown in the sea
more are burned or crushed beneath stone
some flee the island with St. Cuthbert’s bones
“A sacred center has been defiled!”
the word is spread and the people are riled
the royal courts, apprised, are enraged
and thereby ushers in the Viking Age
we’re starting war in a distant land!
we’re starting war!
(ii) mercia 877AD
long boats pull quiet through the night
whisper ashore, an awesome sight
we don’t fear, Odin rides with us all
our deaths determined in Valhalla’s halls
creep to the village, no time to forgive
these men must die so that we may live
The call goes out - no time to spare
town guard is roused - we engage in the square
SFX
a rapid burst cascade of dogs barking…
Villager
(in the distance)
“Alarm! Alarm!”
Husband
(in a hushed voice)
“Grab the child!”
SFX
general chaos growing in the village…
dogs barking intensifying…
animals scattering…
the screams and calls of men and women…
the approaching horde…
Villager
(in the distance)
“To arms! To arms!”
Husband
“Hurry, woman! Now!”
Child
“Mummy?”
Wife
“I’m here, dear one. I’m here.”
Husband
“Take her out back - hide with the animals - son?!”
Son
(coming running)
“Yes, father?”
Husband
“Take the horse and ride south to Wessex… alert the countryside.”
Son
(grave)
“Yes, father.”
Husband
“Go – now! And do not return…”
SFX
men are engaging in battle now, drawing closer…
Child
(whispering amidst the excited clamor of animals)
“Mummy? Mummy, I’m scared.”
Wife
(whispering)
“Shhh, it’s all right. I’m right here my dear one. I’m right here.
Child
“Mummy …”
Wife
“I know, dear, I know. Please, please, please be quiet for Mummy.”
Child
“Are we going to die?”
Wife
“Shh, shhh, shhhh... look over Mummy’s shoulder - can you see the stars?”
Child
“Yes.”
Wife
“Just close your ears and look at the stars. Just look at the stars.”
a shield wall forms, spears held low at their sides
arrow volleys turned skittering aside
berserkers rush, swing down hammers to bone
legs are crushed and collapsed, their muscles shorn
all around shields ring out and split
and heads are taken off with axes where they sit
kicking and clawing even bite a man’s balls
we stand… if you run you only die tired after all
~ solo/interlude 1 ~
the battle’s over, we’re alive and empowered
to seize these lands and make their resources ours
the ground is rich with their blood’s earthy scent
the air awash in the women’s lament
the children scream, they run and they hide
they’re found with flames and dragged out at our sides
tossed in heaps where their fathers have bled
they’ll all be slaves or you’ll pay for their heads
(iii) along the fjords
ancient glaciers have carved this land
steep rugged forests hug the strand
our numbers grow, scarce food for all
and trade routes vanished in Rome’s fall
there are those who dare to rule
grown fat on riches and think us fools
self- governed lands they now devour
I shall return with a land that’s ours
take warmth by the family fire, gather children at your knee
your son leaps upon your chest and drives his hands into your beard
has any treasure - any jewel, ever caught and held the light
like his glinting eyes reflecting stars in the polar night?
~ solo/interlude 2 ~
men to the ships with torn desires turn to wave upon the tide
sons calling scramble down the rocks and fall in line along the shore
the golden curls and tousled hair fall and hide the tears they cry
and mothers gently lift their faces to the sky…
(iv) a price to pray
no more incentive, no reason to hold
these slaves are worthless, they cannot be sold
some will not trade with our “heathen tribes”
some make us pay a small price on the side
now we must defend our new place and learn to live with those we’ve displaced
church doctrine comes to rule the stage, convert and usher out the Viking Age
we’ve had our war, in a distant land
we’ve had our war
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“The most distinct use (of
themes explored and revisited)
is found on the opening piece Rome and the final song Egypt, with the repetition of a striking lyrical and musical theme…”
lyrics
egypt
fade in sfx
a desert wind storm, a reprise of the storm at sea…
(i) sands of time (part two)
in her place
creased skin at the eye
my mother looks out
another ancient sky
crawl and uncover with pick, trowel and brush
dare to decipher what is unknown to us?
why have you come here?
why have you taken our lands?
why have you conquered?
why in the burning sand?
sand slipping through glass
sand drifts and sculpts this vast land
sand buries our footsteps
sand and ash in Bedouin fires
crawl and uncover with pick, trowel and brush
dare to decipher what is buried from us?
fertile crescent
full moon, birthing Nile
there are reasons
why our culture has thrived
crawl and uncover with pick, trowel and brush
dare to decipher what is removed from us?
how have you come here?
how have you forsaken our trust?
how have you conquered?
how through curtains of dust?
dust on our shoulders
dust in the air that we breathe
dust and ash in lost urns
dust sits in lungs of the dead
crawl and uncover with pick, trowel and brush
dare to decipher what sand turns to dust?
(ii) the end and the beginning
Greek Chorus
it’s too late
bred from hate
to satiate
comes your fate
it’s too late
(Queen of the Nile)
bred from hate
(bears a child)
to satiate
(keep Caesar near)
comes your fate
(her father’s fear)
it’s too late
(Ptolemy’s child)
bred from hate
(sits in denial)
to satiate
(with Antony)
comes your fate
(bent at her knee)
SFX
the senate in an uproar…
Greek Chorus
Egyptian dressed!
sorceress!
Cleopatra, here comes the asp
SFX
the senate is furious, voices raised, proclamations…
Greek Chorus
his legions come!
Octavian!
Mark Antony, prepare your sword
to wield upon the avenging horde
Mark leaves for Egypt - “a separatist cause!”
“Abandons your sister!” - another divorce
“He gifts Roman lands to Caesarian now!”
triumvirate broken with Octavian
great nephew adopted to be Caesar’s heir
threatened by what Egypt has brought to bear
patronage, power, becomes insular
taciturn senate, “Now onward to war!”
SFX
senators proclaiming “War!” “To war!”
at Actium, Mark waits Octavian out
proposals for conference are met with redoubt
prior to battle, defection to Rome
battle plans, strategy, everything known
Cleopatra implores Mark to save Egypt’s fleet
trumpets in rough seas prevent their retreat
chase fugitive Antony, his actions bizarre
now bearing the title “Augustus Caesar!”
SFX
legions proclaiming “Caesar!” “Hail!”
legions of conscripts so far from their homes
historical pawns of The Republic of Rome
employed men commit to a general’s will
for social prestige - care not who to kill
Antony’s armies defect to Rome now
stand by and watch Alexandria bow
blood dried into the burnt creases of hands
curtains of dust settle back on this land
it’s too late
bred from hate
to satiate
comes your fate
Queen of the Nile
bears a child
keep Caesar near
her father’s fear
SFX
screaming voices, mayhem in the city-
Greek Chorus
Caesarian!
Caesar’s son!
Cleopatra, where is your asp?
SFX
screaming voices- “NO!”
Greek Chorus
Murdered there!
In the square!
Mark Antony, prepare your sword
to fall upon, a sad afterword
Octavian Augustus Caesar
“Two Caesars is one too many…”
(iii) along the nile
SFX
water lapping on the shore…
marsh birds…
wind in the reeds…
my mother’s eyes – they rise
“Look at the stars – they’re ours”
I still remember the days when we would sail the Nile for fun
we’d laugh with everyone, keeping to ourselves
when she breached we would all plant and harvest emmer in the sun
bushels one to one, bake bread for ourselves
settlements were built and walled with mud bricks drying in the sun
raids from Bedouins, we must protect ourselves
in the morning we would search for bandit footsteps on the run
no protection from the throne, justice for ourselves
now Romans walk this road, and ask for what we’ve got
our treasures kept in baskets on the floor with what we need
and we sail the Nile for Rome, exporting all we’ve got
but sometimes all you've got is not enough…
~ solo/interlude 1 ~
they say the Queen is gone, has forsaken all our trust
and now we’re taxed for what the Nile always gave us all for free
never honey with our bread, grit has sanded down our smiles
but mother gently turns our faces to the sky...
(iv) back to the future (part two)
SFX
Cairo city life…
traffic, animals, bazaars…
in the shadows of the ruins hectic traffic navigates
to transform ourselves as citizens we rush to populate
moving through this city there’s no time to contemplate
speakers call from minarets to prayer that regulates
I look for acceptance
in the culture of the day
I can find acceptance
if I have a place to pray
finding some acceptance
it’s not as easy as they say
all you have to do is disappear and fade away…
we’re so pleased throughout the year seeds of the past are sown
the Aswan dam floods this land though ruins now erode
power lines and towers stand where Romans walked these roads
trickle down economy, still forced to carry loads
I look for acceptance
in the message of the day
I can’t find acceptance
in the actions of the day
finding some acceptance
not as easy as they say
all we have to do is disappear and fade away…
~ solo/interlude 2 ~
Bedouins in seas of sand they navigate the stars
Greek Chorus
my mother’s eyes
Fellahin in goat skin tents can still be seen afar
Greek Chorus
they rise
The Nile flows past bowed fig palms and is carved into pillars
Greek Chorus
look at the stars
The ancient ways they live out there not far from where we are
Greek Chorus
they’re ours
I know there’s acceptance
in the air I breath today
I can feel acceptance
in the sand that forms this clay
our mothers will have acceptance
upon their dying days
all they’ll have to do is disappear and fade away…
(v) epilogue
in her place
creased skin at the eye
my mother looks out
another ancient sky
crawl and uncover with pick, trowel and brush
dare to decipher what is unknown to us?
fade out SFX
a swirling sandstorm, the sands of time…
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