Mark Heard Satellite Sky Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Why do I lie awake at night
And think back just as far as I can
To the sound of my father's laugh outdoors
To the thought of Sputnik in free flight?

Before I could fashion my poverty
Before I distrusted the night
I must've known something
I must've known something
Those were the times I live for tonight

[Chorus]
Why, why, why, I say why, mama, why?
Why can't I sleep in peace tonight underneath the satellite sky?

Why, why, why, I say why, mama, why?
Why can't I sleep in peace tonight underneath the satellite sky?

[Verse 2]
It can't be easy for my children
I'm hollow before my time
It looks like a desert here to me
Where is the promise of youth for my child?

Where are the faraway kingdoms of dreams?
We've been to the moon and there's trouble at home
They vanished in the mist with Saint Nicholas They lie scattered to the ghettos and the war zones and

[Chorus]
Why, why, why, I say why, mama, why?
Why can't I sleep in peace tonight underneath the satellite sky?

Why, why, why, I say why, mama, why?
Why can't I sleep in peace tonight underneath the satellite sky?

[Verse 3]
I want to stand out in the middle of the street
And listen to the stars
I want to hear their sweet voices
I want to feel a big bang rattle my bones
I want to laugh for my children
I want the spark to ignite
Before they find out what it means
To be born into these times

[Chorus]
Why, why, why, I say why, mama, why?
Why can't I sleep in peace tonight underneath the satellite sky?

Why, why, why, I say why, mama, why?
Why can't I sleep in peace tonight underneath the satellite sky?