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Holy War, the transformation of a terrorist

by Paul Livingstone

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Christopher Hale
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This is a visceral dramatic narrative with music. It is a historical story of liberation from hatred and religious violence. As we witness another dehumanizing war today, this ancient tale of redemption feels relevant and I hope that this work may inspire faith in our potential for reconciliation and a vision for a just and peaceful world for all people.

The character Paul, my namesake, follows a path from bigoted religious elitism to the creative path of love. His enemies became his own, and it demonstrates the transformational possibility of the human personality. If Paul can reverse course, a man who approved of stoning people to death, then every person is capable of change.

This narrative of Holy War is full of the painful paradox of the master, that ‘they will kill you thinking of it as service to God’. We see in this story the grandeur of human possibility and change. If we’re honest we’ve all stoned people in our hearts and on some level I hope we can relate and be closer to what we desire to see in the world.

lyrics

TEXT: Holy War upon a rabbi in Jerusalem, I was the one to shake the blood stained hands. Anger mounts as we condemn, devotee of the son of man.

Temple mob murder Steven in a hail of stones, put him down to bury bones, with the prophets we adore, Oh, why religion makes this chore?


Self-righteous judgment fills my veins as Stephen plummets down in pain, so free of hatred is he sane, to lift his hands to praise your name!?!


My mind is boiling up with fear, of others who may join him near.

It would happen, they would claim, their broken master did appear!



On a mission I will go, to martyr those of whom I know.

Who try to follow in his way, a shameful blot upon the day.


I will kill, annihilate, all that I see of this disgrace.

Protect my faith upon this chase, this affront, upon my race!



The way to Damascus I do ride, my heart swallowed up with pride,

my ego blown so far and wide, a heart of hatred filled with lies.

But you, knock me clear off my high horse, show me the follow of my course, why you oppress and kill and hate, you better change ‘for it’s too late!

For I have called you to be free, but now you’re blinded and cant see,
Humble thyself before your enemies and you may find them friends to be.

credits

released November 24, 2023
text, voice and instruments by Paul Livingstone
recorded in RagaJazz Studio, Altadena, California
mixed and mastered by Brandon Cooke
art by Alma Cielo

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Paul Livingstone Los Angeles, California

sitarist, multi-dimensional performing artist/composer, of ragajazz world music synthisis /// creative music making as a spiritual path. /// way to see more clearly the love all around us despite the pain of the world /// Music to move our hearts into uncompromised inclusivity, positivity and connectedenss. Om Yeshu Naam /// ... more

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