Kanno Sugako

To the tune of Lullaby of Takeda, written after reading her reflections on the way to the gallows. 

D A Bm 
Shadows stretch long in the window 
Bm A
Eleven standing on the scaffold high
d a bm
The gallows will creek to the blackbird singing
a g bm
I greet them at the red sunrise

Down where my lover is standing
See where my tears stain his chin
Our comrades defiant around him 
Sway like the banners in the wind

Where is the poet and writer, 
Whose words were the swelling April flood?
Where are the friends of the prisoner
Whose flag was painted in blood? 

Gone like the blossoms of cherry, 
Driven by the winter’s dying rage
The scarlet wing thrushes are singing
Are singing even from an iron cage 

(repeat first verse)

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