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NOTES: George Zabelka (1915-1992) was a Catholic priest from Michigan USA. During World War II he was chaplain to the 509th Airborne Division based on Tinian Island in the Pacific Ocean. It was from this island that planes flew to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Later, Zabelka had what he called an 'about face', coming to the conclusion that he had been terribly wrong to bless the bombs. In 1985, he made a pilgrimage walk from Hiroshima to Nagasaki to mark the fortieth anniversary of the bombings. He walked as a way of asking those harmed by the bombings for forgiveness for himself and for his Church - “for bringing you death instead of the fullness of life, misery instead of mercy.” He dedicated to rest of his life to teaching the way of non-violence as shown and taught by Jesus.
I sent a recording of my song to Fr. George Zabelka and received a letter back from him, to say that he was pleased with my telling of his story. In 1988 a DVD 'Reluctant Prophet' was made about him.
*****
lyrics
GEORGE ZABELKA
Now I am an old man, soon to meet my God
My journey here is almost at an end.
But before the journey’s over there’s one place I must go
Can’t get into heaven till I face up to my hell.
My name is George Zabelka, an ordinary man
And in answer to your questions, my story I will tell.
I was raised to be a Christian in the fashion of the day
Seemed all I had to do was follow rules.
So it seemed right to join the army on that island in the sea
Where I was chaplain to the 509th bomb crews
And I gave the boys a blessing as they flew that August day ...
Hiroshima still sleeping and no word did I say.
CHORUS:
So I go to light a candle that can shine in the night
For my brother I have wronged, my sister I have killed.
Come light a million candles in the tomb of the night
And we’ll see the light of morning rise again.
Well something deep inside me knew the truth of what I’d done
And my nightmares brought the terror home to me.
I knew the dark and loveless spirit, the cold and clever lie
That held the power and condemned those towns to die
And I know I was no better than the men on Calvary
Who had their orders and followed thoughtlessly. CHORUS.
I know that war has always been, it’s a habit deeply formed
And every land thinks God is on its side
And the Church has offered blessings and talked about ‘just wars’
Inside with Caesar, leaving Christ outside the door
But I say this stage is over, the bomb has changed it all ...
Together we will rise up or together we must fall. CHORUS.
And now I am an old man, soon to meet my God
My journey here is almost at an end.
But before the journey’s over I’m going to Japan
As a pilgrim, a small and sorry man
To kneel and beg forgiveness in the hope to reconcile...
One step begins the journey along the homeward mile. CHORUS.
Words and music by Peter Kearney
credits
released July 30, 2020
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RELATED RESOURCES for 'GEORGE ZABELKA', available through Peter Kearney's Online Store. Links below:
1. CD-AUDIO: All ten songs from 'Signs of Hope', including 'George Zabelka' are included on Peter's double-CD compilation 'Make Me a Song' (The Best of 25 Years). Link: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/356147
2. CD-ROM: Music, lyrics, chords for 34 of the 36 songs in the 'Make Me a Song' double-cd are available peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/554037
3. PDF Music for 'George Zabelka' only: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/581693
THE RECORDING
Recorded 1986 in the Restless Studio, Balmain. The song was one of ten tracks on the 'Signs of Hope' album by Peter Kearney + Crossover.
VOICES: Lead vocal - Peter Kearney. Chorus vocals - Linda Berry, Penny Davies, Louise Gore, Roger Ilott, Claire Parkhill
INSTRUMENTS: Peter Kearney (guitar), Roger Ilott (guitar), Ross Grierson (bass).
Peter Kearney is an Australian songwriter and singer. His early folk-hymns 'Fill My House' & 'The Beatitudes' are
internationally known. He has written many other songs of justice and peace, songs for children, and a musical-narrative on St. Francis of Assisi. His published recordings include 153 original songs.
LINKS BELOW are for Peter's:
- Website
- Online store
- Facebook Artist Page....more
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