Che lyrics

One morning in Bolivia

The leader of the partisans and two of his companions

Were forced to flee the mountains for their lives

Through green and dusty villages they sped along the little roads

The peasants smiled and shouted as they hurried by

Jesus called out to every one "Don't think that we are leaving,

They only tried to frighten us with guns, we shall return,"

Continue with your work, continue with your talk

You have it in your hand to own your lives to own your land

The people smiled and shouted and they ran along a little while

Then stood and watched, their hands were restless and empty

The body of Jesus was in the jeep that they blew up

Before it reached the plane

The priest was proud to bless him for what there was

of him remaining in the afternoon

Continue with your work, continue with your talk

You have it in your hands to own your lives to own your land

There is no one who can show you the road you should be on

They only tell you they can show you and then tomorrow they are gone

The smell of oil and incense fill the room in this adobe hut

Where on the table lies the body of a man

His face is pale and young, his beard is dark and curled

Pennies hold his eyelids from the evening light

People from the village those who knew him, those who killed him

Stand inside the door, their hands are restless and empty

They watch the priest make silent crosses in the air

And pray to God inside their hearts for their own souls

Continue with your work, continue with your talk

You have it in your hands to own your lives to own your land

There is no one who can show you the road you should be on

They only tell you they can show you and then tomorrow they are gone

• Artist:Judy Collins
• Album:True Stories and Other Dreams (1973)