International Arms

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Dear Listener,

This was the last song Marconi tackled. We only played it live once and never recorded it, so I’ve retooled it here as a sort of remix. It took a long time for Marconi to get to more collaborative arrangement and this was the most democratic attempt. It was, fittingly, a song about the uncertainty and prospect of such a new balance of creative guidance and took inspiration from the concurrent uncertainty and prospect of the then unfolding Arab Spring. Against all best intentions—in Egypt, as well—it appears tyranny has triumphed: Now it’s a solo release.

Much credit is nevertheless due to Robert, Jason, and Jeff for their work on the song. And many thanks to James Towlson for contributing his typically excellent harmonies.

Yours,
Luke Kirkland

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Tame, teeming heads
raze uncharted continents with implacable threats:
“Wait ‘til my friends have their way with all this lead.
We’ll paint everything red.”

All of the legs in this house
have run forth into and out of
your international arms.

“Men, save your rest
‘til we’ve walked the Western lens across the whole of Maghreb.
When we pour bricks, we’ll shake off this rubble mess
and shape our monuments again.”

All of the legs in this house
have run forth into and out of
your international arms.

Wait ‘til my friends have their way with this lead.

All of the legs in this house
have run forth into and out of
your international arms.

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Recorded and mixed by Luke Kirkland
Background vocals by James Towlson
Design by Luke Kirkland
Mastered by Nick Zampiello and Rob Gonnella at New Alliance East