From the recording Facets
Merry-Go-Round is a true reflection of the hopelessness felt by those trying to help sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and grandchildren who are hooked on drugs, or who have mental health issues, to be able to live a cleaner, better life. However, no matter where they turn, there is very little support from any government at any level – only a lot of talk. Surely, we can do better.
Lyrics
MERRY-GO-ROUND - Words and Music by WANITA
Sirens scream familiar cry, Nan thanks our God she didn’t die
Merry go round they’re on again, family needs help nowhere to begin
Merry go round systematic disgrace, why kids like Jane Doe lose the race.
Cocktail of pills and bag of buds, she yells at nan and then she runs
Slams the door so where she’s gunna go, can’t find out now cause Jane don’t know
Eyes glazed over when she staggers back in, Nan wakes to her sobbing at four am.
She’s done it again as the light flickers on, revealing the crimson on her forearms.
Sirens scream familiar cry, Nan thanks our God she didn’t die
Merry go round they’re on again, family needs help nowhere to begin
Merry go round systematic disgrace, why kids like Jane Doe lose the race.
At hospital they pump her guts, and patch her up without a fuss
Political cesspit creates fun Gran, too many roadblocks to sign her in
Jane walks free to stumble around, Nan fights to keep her above the ground.
Too many beds and not enough shrinks, mental health cistern, fucking stinks.
Sirens scream familiar cry, Nan thanks our God she didn’t die
Merry go round they’re on again, family needs help nowhere to begin
Merry go round systematic disgrace, why kids like Jane Doe lose the race.
Separated parents no longer thinking, guess they got tired or themselves are sinking
Into their own depths of despair, mums complacent and dad’s not there
She didn’t choose to get sick, it wasn’t Jane’s call to get the flick
Remove red tape let’s make a stance, use common sense it’s Jane’s last chance.
Sirens scream familiar cry, Nan thanks our God she didn’t die
Merry go round they’re on again, family needs help nowhere to begin
Merry go round systematic disgrace, why kids like Jane Doe lose the race.