Purple Heart is a song that was part of a larger educational curriculum project called I Have a Right based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.  The multi media  lesson plans  included text, resources and songs to accompany various themes from  The Convention such as the right of a child to grow up in a world free from physical exploitation and abuse, the right to education and medical services, the right to clean air and water, the right to nutrition, t he right to be brought up in a world  from war and violence...the right to play.   If you are a teacher or community worker interested in discussing or using these ideas contact me.   

The song Purple Heart was based on the observation that we honour brave soldiers who are wounded or give their lives in battle zones, and yet there is no such recognition for children and women who suffer, are wounded and die in a different battle zone.  What happens when your home, community and sometimes your whole existence is a battle zone?  I hope this song brings comfort and encourages compassionate thinking.

Listen to a recording of Purple Heart below or click here.

Purple Heart

To the survivors you know who you are

No king or president ever gave you a medal for yours scars

For your broken body and the achin' in your heart

They don't right about that in there damn history books, oh no

Listen you can hear the call and the cry

Of those who suffer on the front lines

It's a place called home but it's a battle zone

To those abused and lied too

The Purple Heart

To the survivors as you are growing older too,

Will you treat your children the way your parents treated you

With you broken body and the achin' in your heart

Can we only repeat the things we ourselves have been shown

Listen you can hear the call and the cry

Of those who suffer on the front lines

It's a place called home but it's a battle zone

For those abused and lied too

The Purple Heart