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