Name: Useful In A War: Redux 2020
Duration: P00H04M30S
Description: This is the fourth (and last) recorded version of this song. The intention here was to clear space for the lyrics. You would think that is always the intention, but no, sometimes other things clamour for attention. I wanted to be able to settle into the words on this version in a way that seemed difficult to do while on tour.

Useful In A War: Redux 2020

from ROUGH GODS by Stephen Jenkinson and Gregory Hoskins

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Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
Over 60 minutes of audio. Comes in a gatefold sleeve, with artwork by GH and James Nowak.

Includes unlimited streaming of ROUGH GODS via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of GREGORY HOSKINS, DARK ROADS, ROUGH GODS, Surgery, Nights of Grief and Mystery, Vain + Alone 2.0, The Map of Above, The Map of Below, Pleasure & Relief: A Live Concert Recording, and 2 more. , and , .

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about

This is the fourth (and last) recorded version of this song. The intention here was to clear space for the lyrics. You would think that is always the intention, but no, sometimes other things clamour for attention. I wanted to be able to settle into the words on this version in a way that seemed difficult to do while on tour.

lyrics

I am yours to do your bidding 
It’s been this way since the beginning
 Now my hair is grey and thinning 
Do you need me anymore?

I have watched the burning skies 
Through a coward’s eyes 
Ignored the battle cries
 That are right outside my door.
Stumbled drunk through love and joy 
Far too long the mannish boy 
But I’m ready to deploy
 Make me useful in a war.

Make me useful, useful,
You don't have to tell me what side I'm fighting for.

Purify my ambition 
Sanctify my secret mission
 Make me Black Ops, cut the cord 
Deny that I was even in the war.

Take my head out of the heavens 
Take my hands and make them weapons
 Hold me to the oath I swore 
Make me useful in a war.

Make me deaf to my own voice
 I wont question any choice
 Coming down from the Commodore 
Make me useful in a war.

Throw me in the line of fire
 Make me climb the razor wire
 Until my flesh is torn 
Make me useful in a war.

Take my fear and give it edges 
Make me dance out on the ledges 
Make me hungry (humble), make me poor 
Make me useful in a war.

credits

from ROUGH GODS, released November 18, 2020
Gregory Hoskins- Guitars, Melodion, Bass, Synth, Voice
Adam Bowman- Drums
Stephen Jenkinson- Guitar
Lisa Hodgson- Voice

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Gregory Hoskins Toronto, Ontario

gregoryhoskins.com

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