War At the End of the World

Venice.beach.california.early.1990s I had read the book of the same title by mario vargas llosas... a mid-19th century apocalyptic novel about a messiah in the jungles of brazil... i stole the title [which i do frequently] and used a lot of the ideas but included my own historical stuff... our lady of lebanon... eddie hinton, etc... I remember it taking about 30 minutes to write... so clearly a case of someone else pushing the pen... i recorded this with johnny sandlin in decatur, alabama for the love and happiness record... david hood on bass... chuck leavell played keys... cool version. A friend of my father's knew llosas and apparently got a copy of the song to him... as the story goes... he fucking hated it. I was in athens, georgia on 9/11... a couple days later we played the 40 watt with mikey houser, todd nance and the usual athens hooligans... we opened with this... it was pretty heavy... that's where the 'jumped off the towers' line came from. From the captain's cabin Our Lady of Lebanon Called up old Saint Maron Said get the Counselor on the phone See, there's been a change in strategy Everything's gone wrong We're pulling anchors in the morning We must be moving on Then they sailed off in the sunset Some against their will They sailed into the month of April And landed in Brazil She said we'll stay here with the circus We've a little time to kill Welcome to the New World This is not a drill So they camped under the big top The elephants and snakes Bearded Lady and the Lizard Boy Were tired of the wait They could sense the battle looming See the demons at the gate They said if Christ is really coming Let's pray He isn't late Then Gabriel and Moroni Showed up with horn in hand Said Jesus couldn't make it But He's sure you'll understand And He wanted you to know He appreciates your helping hand 'Cause in this world of good and evil It's time for you to make a stand It was the war at the end of the world It was the war at the end of the world They probably were not ready But they had their flags unfurled At the war at the end of the world Then they loaded up the canons And polished up the swords And the band played Eddie Hinton As they marched against the hoards The Bearded Lady said I may die young But at least I won't be bored Let us triumph over evil In the service of the Lord So they fought with smiles and bravery But the Devil had them in retreat Saint Maron swung his battle axe Bodies piled up at his feet They could smell the sky was burning Blood ran waist deep in the streets He said I hate to tell you, baby This ain't no way to beat the heat It was the war at the end of the world It was the war at the end of the world They fought it for the children The little boys and girls And then the Dwarf said to the Counselor Our ammo's all been used You better tell Our Lady I think we're going to lose They're not taking any prisoners They'll kill us all before they're through And I must admit the thought of Hell Is giving me the blues Saint Maron chimed in I think I must concur That the battle's going badly And it's only getting worse All our holy water Will never drown this curse And I'd rather leave here running Then leave here in a hearse And then the Counselor said to me I hate to break it to you, son But I've been watching you for hours And you're lousy with a gun And if it is your intention To see the rising sun Saint Maron's on the money I think you better run As I turned tail Our Lady said I ain't afraid to die And if Manhattan's really sinking We'll take it to the skies And if I go down in fire You can't say I didn't try She jumped off of the towers Tears of victory in her eyes It was the war at the end of the world It was the war at the end of the world I could not believe my eyes Or anything I heard Last time I inquired The war's still raging on And the elephants and clowns are dead The cedar trees are gone As for Our Lady and the Counselor I believe they had a son And if he fulfills the prophecy The battle will be won And on that day of glory They will line up on the curbs And the faithful will parade With the faithful that have served And Christ winks at Our Lady Says you've got a lot of nerve Now let's put the kids to bed And get the rest that we deserve It was the war at the end of the world It was the war at the end of the world The destitute and dying Rallied 'round His word It was the war at the end of the world It was the war at the end of the world If you're going to die for somebody Let it be the Lord In the war at the end of the world