Russians and Americans Songtext
von Al Stewart

Al Stewart

So here we stand at the edge of 1984
Bracing ourselves once again
For the storm approaching as those
Who long before huddled in caves from the rain
The enemy′s face is so hard to see
Sometimes it seems that I see him in you
Sometimes in me
Who can he be?
No use consulting the prophets and leaders they all disagree

Russians and Americans, here's a song for you
Who carry the weight of the world on your heads
Russians and Americans, tell me if it′s true
You really believe all the things that you've said
The red-white-and-blue running into the red


From the wars of Europe, the pilgrim fathers
Set off with their hopes and their bond
Some settled down by the coast, others crossed
The mountains and into the flatlands beyond
From scramble and dust of Muscovite streets
Merchants develop the trade routes,
And open the door to the East.
Pioneer waves
Choked by the cold breath of winter,
Or baked by the heat of the day

Russians and Americans
Passing through the fire of revolution and coming of age
Russians and Americans
Driven by desire, two players push to the front of the stage
The whole world now watches each move that you make

Two runners caught in the thrill of the race,
The finishing line is as far as the stars that the satellites chase
Why quicken the pace?
Why does it seem that you choose to lose reason before losing face?

Russians and Americans
Driven by the past, the third world moves in the shadows you cast
Russians and Americans
Could turn the world to dust, so much to live for, so much undiscussed
So much in common and so little trust


From the streets of Athens and Rome the voices still echo to crumbling walls
Look to the past and remember no empire rises that sooner or later won't fall
Forever the changes we still have to face
Some people say that a country is more and idea than a place
Though nothing is safe
We still choose the mark that we leave on the open canvas of space

Russians and Americans
Maybe you should see into the heart of the world, not its head
Russians and Americans
If you want to be the feet of the world, better mind where you tread,
The footsteps of history are left where you step

So here we stand at the edge of 1984