Burning Times

by Charles Murphy (chant by Deena Metzger)

This song has been performed on many different artist's albums, a tribute to Charles's vision and a testimony to the timeless appeal that has made this song a favorite of many groups.
(See below for tapes this song is currently available on.)


In the cool of the evening, they used to gather,
'neath stars in the meadow, circled near an old oak tree.
At the times appointed by the seasons of the Earth,
and the phases of the moon.
In the center of them stood a woman, equal with the others,
but respected for her worth.
One of the many we call the Witches,
the teachers and the keepers of the wisdom of the Earth.

The people grew through the knowledge she gave them,
herbs to heal their bodies, spells to make their spirits whole.
Hear them chanting healing incantations, calling forth the Wise Ones,
celebrating in dance and song

Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna
Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna

There were those who came to power through domination,
and they bonded in the worship of a dead man on a cross.
They sought control of the common people
by demanding allegiance to the church of Rome.
And the Pope declared the Inquisition,
it was a war against the women whose power they feared.
In this Holocaust against the nature peoples,
nine million European women died.

And the tales are told of those who, by the hundreds,
holding together, chose their deaths in the sea.
Chanting the praises of the Mother Goddess, a refusal of betrayal,
women were dying to be free.

Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna
Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna
Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna
Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna

Now the Earth is a witch, and the men still burn her!
Stripping her down with mining and the poisons of their wars.
But to us the Earth is a healer, a teacher, a mother.
She spins the web of life that keeps us all alive.

She gives us the vision to see through the chaos.
She gives us our courage, it is our will to survive!

Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna....(repeat as chant)


This song is currently available on:
"Fairie Goddess", by Elaine Silvers
"Carry Me Home", by Todd Alan and Friends

This song can also be found on these albums, although not currently available :
"Fairy Queen", By Kenny and Tzipora
"Canticles of Light", by Charles Murphy


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