From the recording Xtra Lover
Written by Allan Woodley. "Lay Down Your Arms" was written around 1985 by Allan Woodley. It was performed by our band The Distractions who played in the mid-80's, mostly at The Evening Star in Elizabeth Street and The Harbourside Brasserie at Miller's Point in Sydney, as well as at a big reconciiliation concert and corroboree at Bondi Pavilion in April 1988 called "Koomparto" ("Fresh Start") with Dragon, Gondwanaland, Black Lace, Roger Knox and Band, Ruby Hunter and others. Performed by The Distractions 1986-1989. The Distractions were: Terri Janke (vocals), Damian Reichel (Guitar, vocals, trumpet), Michael Priddis (guitar, vocals), Peter Price (drums), Chris Vaughan (bass), Allan Woodley (sax). This performance is: vocals Terri Janke, arranged, performed and recorded by Damian Reichel.. Recorded by Damian Reichel at Baltic Street, Newtown, 1989 and Roger Hanlon studio at Thornleigh. Transferred to digital by Glenn "Magoo" Aird and mastered by William Bowden, King Willy Sound, Tasmania, Australia 2017.
All rights reserved
Lyrics
"Lay Down Your Arms"
Written by Allan Woodley
How many years have you been crying now?
how many teardrops must fall?
from your eyes, crying at night
because you can't find peace at all
don't keep the world at a distance
by being too cool all the time
the love of brothers and sisters
will help you find peace of mind
lay down your arms
surremder to love
love
at war so sadly with yourself
that I fear a fateful hour
if you just stay on the scne until confusion disappears
you may learn to feel a different power
lay down your arms
surrender to love
love
all right, so you made some mistakes
everybody makes mistakes
hold tight, through the thunder and rain
til some day sunday shines again
and I will hold you in my arms
so you can feel it in your heart
and if you look high up above
youi will see
the light
of love
and your heart beats
in the back streets
and your eyes see
they see the glory
and you can change i
yeah you can change it
and you can make it
better
and better
lay down your arms
surrender to love
love
Written by Allan Woodley 1985. All rights reserved