A song written in memory of Rachel Corrie, an American activist who was killed in 2003 while trying to stop the destruction of homes in Rafah, Palestine. Yes. 2003.

03 August 2023 | James Porteous | Clipper Media Blues

The song “Rachel” by Buddy & Julie Miller was inspired by Rachel Corrie, an American activist who was killed in 2003 while protesting the demolition of Palestinian homes in Gaza. Julie Miller has stated that she was deeply moved by Corrie’s story and her writings, which led her to write the song as a tribute to Corrie’s courage and commitment to peace.

As I recall, the Buddy & Julie Miller album had been recorded and mixed and was ready for release, but they went back into the studio to record this brand new song. You would be hard-pressed to find confirmation that this song was written about Rachel Corrie.

Rachel Corrie: Parents & Friend Remember U.S. Activist Crushed by Israeli Bulldozer in Rafah in 2003 https://youtu.be/GcnE_1wpETYj

The Rachel Corrie Foundation
https://rachelcorriefoundation.org/

“Rachel” (Julie Miller)

Seventeen years, how could we know?
And thirteen years to make a flower grow
Tears that fell from your eyes
Were the ones heaven cries
For the children left to walk alone

There is a life no one can take
There is a chain of love no one can break
In all the world there is
No life greater than this
To lay down your life for your friends

And did you feel the longing?
And did you hear a sacrеd song?
And did you sing it out to the dark?
And did you follow the footsteps?
Did you shinе a light and did
You dance with all of your heart?

And did you feel the longing?
And did you hear a sacred song?
And did you sing it out to the dark?
And did you follow the footsteps?
Did you shine a light and did
You dance with all of your heart?