Night Meeting Lyrics - Russians & Americans - Al Stewart

It was a night meeting: 

somewhere in a troubled land. 

They came with no greeting; 

left without a shaken hand. 

Nearby the town sleeping 

was unaware of what was done. 

No need for watchkeeping, 

they'll be gone before the sun. 

You may not see just where the sense is 

in the actions of the State. 

You may not know the consequences 

of their actions till too late. 

The rival factions still debate 

as shadows gather at your gate. 

It was a night meeting 

they won't admit on either side 

There'll be no press briefing 

information classified 

It was a night meeting: 

independent, prearranged, 

to get a signed treaty, 

force the government to change. 

Secret diplomacy without the means to make their policy prevail. 

Meanwhile the powers that be behind the scenes have guaranteed to see 

them fail. 

You seem beyond the jurisdiction 

of the democratic powers. 

You do not see the contradiction 

of the watchmen in the towers, 

you turn your back as night devours 

the final chance, the final hours. 

It was a night meeting: 

these are men who won't be missed. 

Their lives were just fleeting: 

they don't offically exist.