Children Of Darkness

Joan Baez · Other Songs - Joan Baez

(words by Richard Farina)



Oh, now is the time for your loving, dear,

And the time for your company

Now when the light of reason fails

And fires burn on the sea

Oh, now in this age of confusion

I have need for your company.



For I am a wild and a lonely child

And the son of an angry land

Now with the high wars raging

I would offer you my hand

For we are the children of darkness

And the prey of a foul command.



It's once I was free to go roaming in

The wind of the springtime mind

And once the clouds I sailed upon

Were sweet as lilac wine

Oh, why are the breezes of summer, dear

Enlaced with a grim design?



So, now is the time for your loving, dear,

And the time for your company

Now when the light of reason fails

And fires burn on the sea

Oh, now in this age of confusion

I have need for your company.

....................................



the original song of RICHARD FARINA

(copyright Whitmark and Sons) is the following



Now is the time for your loving, dear,

And the time for your company

Now when the light of reason fails

And fires burn on the sea

Now in this age of confusion

I have need for your company.



It's once I was free to go roaming in

The wind of the springtime mind

It's once the clouds I sailed upon

Were sweet as lilac wine

So why are the breezes of summer, dear

Enlaced with a grim design?



And where was the will of my father when

We raised our swords on high?

And where was my mother's wailing when

Our flags were justified?

And where will we take our pleasures when

Our bodies have been denied?



For I am a wild and a lonely child

And the son of an angry land

Now with the high wars raging

I would offer you my hand

For we are the children of darkness

And the prey of a foul command.

Children Of Darkness

Joan Baez's 'Children Of Darkness' stands as a poignant testament to her enduring commitment to folk music's social conscience. Recorded during a period when Baez was actively amplifying voices of the marginalized, the track exemplifies her signature style: acoustic clarity layered with urgent, narrative-driven lyrics. The song reflects her deep engagement with civil rights and anti-war movements, characteristic of her work from the 1960s and 70s. By weaving together personal reflection with broader political commentary, Baez crafted a recording that remains relevant for its ability to connect intimate emotion with collective struggle. The piece showcases her skill as a storyteller, using simple instrumentation to underscore themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.