From the recording Emperor in Exile
Today Us, Tomorrow You draws on Haile Selassie’s 1936 address to the League of Nations, where he exposed the brutality of Italy’s invasion and the use of chemical weapons against his people. Challenging the world’s silence, he warned that the failure to act against injustice would have consequences beyond Ethiopia — a message captured in his stark prophecy: it is us today, it will be you tomorrow.
Carlton Smith vocals recorded at J&J Studio, Bristol.
Backing track recorded at Crossleaze Studio Bath.
Mixed & mastered at Yam & Banana studio, Bristol.
CREDITS
Side One
Tracks 1–5 written by Seviour and Archer.
Track 3, “My Country’s Not for Sale”:
Lyrics by Seviour and Archer.
Music by Seviour and Archer, incorporating elements inspired by “Dollar in the Teeth” by Lee “Scratch” Perry.
Track 6 Selassie I. Backing track written by A Seviour.
Lyrics written by C Powell.
Side Two
The vinyl edition includes an exlusive special guest dub mix of Exile song by Nick Manasseh which in not included in the digital download album.
All other dub tracks remixed from side one by Uri Green at Yam & Banana Studio, St Pauls, Bristol.
Original compositions by Seviour/Archer, and Seviour/Powell, except where noted.
Lyrics
Defeat burns slowly
In the darkest soul
How many moons
Til war resumed
(Emotive)
When their time was right
They relished revenge (alt: an orgy of death - see which works best)
cruellest JackBoot
Crushing Infant breath
Pre chorus
I still hear the screams
On the killing fields
Through a deadly rain
I still hear the screams
On the killing fields
Through a deadly rain
So much pain
so much pain revealed
So much pain
so much pain revealed
Chorus
Today it’s us
But Tomorrow
it will be you
Today it’s us
But Tomorrow it will be you
League of Nations ..justice justice justice
Take care what you do..what will you do
I pray to God..listen listen listen
This won’t come back on you ..hear our tale.
Today it’s us ..Ethiopia
But Tomorrow
Today it’s us ..Ethiopia
V
2
The Pledge of peace was fake
Corruption and lies
Sincere hand of friendship
Callously pushed aside
Cast into exile
Violence from Rome
Murdering our people
Burning down their homes
(Quieter)
The Wounds are so fresh in my skin
Show happened that day
The Wounds are so fresh in my skin
Show happened that day
Tears flow tears flow
for my people
Tears flow
tears flowfor my people
Chorus
Today it’s us
But Tomorrow
it will be you
Today it’s us
But Tomorrow it will be you
League of Nations ..justice justice justice
Take care what you do..what will you do
I pray to God..listen listen listen
This won’t come back on you ..hear our tale.
Bridge (dub)
World leaders you all agreed
To Collective security
International morality
Show some integrity
Chorus
Today it’s us
But Tomorrow ..
Today it’s us
But Tomorrow..
Coda
In the name of god peace will surely reign
In the name of god peace will surely reign
In the name of god peace will surely reign
In the name of god peace will surely reign
credits