Message to Lt. Ehren Watada from Dainis W. Michel

June 26, 2006

Dear Lt. Ehren Watada,

The character(s) speaking in the following song are fallen soldiers in the current terror-driven wars. Soldiers from both sides.

The recording is as raw as things get. It's just me at the piano with a MiniDisk recorder. Unfortunately, there's some clipping on the recording, yet the song itself may speak to you.

Soldier: Another Way
Words and Music © 2003 Dainis W. Michel

I had to, I had to go
they told me, they told me so
but only for a while
just for a while
to fight for
what they said was right
I
I had to go
go robbing souls

but what I died for
what I died for
what I died for
is to find another way

I lay my, my weapons down
my guilt is, my guilt is gone
the pain I've caused
the blood I've shed
is not squandered
and I
I know the way
'cuz I've, I've passed away
I've come to say

that what I died for
what I died for
what I died for
is to find another way

Dear Soldier, dear loyal soul
You have a, a right to know
You can choose to refuse
and not to win or lose
and all sides, across enemy lines
can trust their guiding light
and claim true power
the love that's in our souls

'cuz what I died for
what I died for
what I died for
is to find another way

If you feel moved to listen to the song, it's available here: (Soldier/Another Way).

Respectfully,

Dainis W. Michel