The Future Now [The Margin]

By Peter Hammill

On The Margin (Live)

Released on February 1985

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[Verse 1]

Here we are, static in the latter half

Of the twentieth century

But it might as well be the Middle Ages

There'll have to be some changes

But how they'll come about foxes me


[Chorus]

I want the future now

I want to hold it in my hands;

I want a reason to be proud

I want the Promised Land


[Verse 2]

But that doesn't seem to get any closer

And Moses has had his day...

The tablets of law are an advertising poster

Civilisation here to stay

And this is progrеss? Well, you must be joking!

Me, I'm looking for any kind of hopе


[Chorus]

And I want the future now

I want to see it on the screen

All men equal and breaking bounds

That make our lives so mean


[Instrumental Break]


[Verse 3]

Oh, blind, blinded, blinding hatred

Of race, sex, religion, colour, country and creed

These scream from the pages of everything I read

You just bring me oppression and torture

Apartheid, corruption and plague;

You just bring me the rape of the planet

And joke world rights at the Hague

Someday the Millennium!

But how far is someday away?


[Chorus]

When I want the future now

I'm young, but it's my right

I want a reason to be proud

I want to see the light


[Chorus]

I want the future now

I want to see it on the screen

All men equal and unbowed

Make life worth more than dreams