Rapid Response Choir

Leaving on an ICE plane

Performance hints: Accompaniment intro: C F G G7

They’ve no bags to pack. They were forced to go.
They're lying on a cold hard floor.
They didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.
The place is smellin’, they’re gettin’ sick.
The guards are yellin’, wavin’ their sticks.
Conditions are so awful they could die.

So remember to pray for them.
It’s time we all stand up with them.
They’re wond’rin’ if they’ll ever be let go,
Sayin’: “I'm leavin' on an ICE plane,
Don't know if I'll be back again…
Oh please! Don’t make me go.”

So many times, we’ve let them down.
ICE took them just because they’re brown.
It seems that we’re no longer civilized.
They did their best to follow our laws.
ICE arrested them without just cause.
If they come back, they'll still be traumatized.

So remember to pray for them.
It’s time we all stand up with them.
They’re wond’rin’ if they’ll ever be let go,
Sayin’: “I'm leavin' on an ICE plane,
Don't know if I'll be back again…
Oh help! Don’t make me go.”

Time has come for them to go away.
Although they have the right to stay,
ICE makes them march, in chains, up that gangway.
Let’s work t'wards a time to come,
When they won’t have to leave their home,
And for a time when they won't have to say:

“Remember to pray for me.
I’m hopin’ you'll stand up with me,
I’m wond’rin’ if they’ll ever let me go.
I'm leavin' on an ICE plane,
Don't know if I'll be back again…
Please help! Don’t make me go.”

“Yes, I'm leavin' on an ICE plane,
Don't know if I'll be back again…
This hell, it scares me so!”

Credits: John Denver (1971), new lyrics by F. Becker
Notes: Use with care, as it could be seen as making light of the ordeals of detainees. Audience participates in the refrain. Sing with compassion and respect.
Initial participation:medium