A simple sentiment, but perhaps even more relevant today than when it was written. Literally, with all the controversy around borders and all; sadly, that perhaps race has been replaced by (compounded with?) religion.
Holy Moses I have been removed
I have seen the spectre he has been here too
Distant cousin from down the line
Brand of people who ain’t my kind
Holy Moses I have been removed
To me, this song isn’t actually about political or geographical borders – it transcends politics. It’s more about feeling different, alienated, outcast – about the metaphorical lines we (artificially) draw around ourselves for so many different reasons.
Holy Moses I have been deceived
Now the wind has changed direction and I’ll have to leave
Which brings me to my favorite line in the song – not directly tied to the overall sentiment, but a classy way to express disagreement or disenchantment:
Won’t you please excuse my frankness but it’s not my cup of tea
Interesting tidbit – Elton actually wrote the lyrics for the last verse:
Holy Moses let us live in peace
Let us strive to find a way to make all hatred cease
There’s a man over there what’s his colour I don’t care
He’s my brother let us live in peace
And now for a very early video of EJ…
Border Song (Elton John – 1970)
