LIght a Candle

On a winter's evening in my hometown.
Christmas lights are shimmering.
Snow is on the ground.
Carolers are singing a joyous Silent Night,
but in black South Africa
you won't find a one candlelight.

In a little village on the black side of Cape Town.
A little boy is trembling, tears rolling down.
Police broke into his home.
Saw his candle glow.
It's against the law, my friend,
to burn one don't you know.

(Chorus)
Will you light a candle for South Africa.
Put a light in your window on a cold dark winter's night.
Will you light a candle for South Africa.
If we all light candles, surely they will see the light.

I might cause a riot. That's what the police say.
To light one little candle even on Christmas Day.
How fragile can their order be?
What do they have to save?
Who can say they are free
when so many still are enslaved?

Chorus

Why must we fight between ourselves
and pretend we cannot see?
Divide and conquer. Foolish game. State emergency.
Nothing can hide such shame, such brutality.
How much more blood will flow before we are set free?

Chorus