No longer my battle. Original song.

Basically a song about a disillusioned old man . i'm not that man.

[@FrankWatkinson]

They're protesting in the streets and they're writing on the walls , banners held up saying it's peace we're fighting for, and I just stand aside I can't do this anymore , it's no longer my fight no longer my war They are screaming out slogans all about the working man and how all the politicians they, they just don't understand , and I just stand and watch them as they march into the night , it's no longer my battle it's no longer my fight. Cause i've seen it all before and i've waved my banner high , I was a warrior for equality,but it was all just pie in the sky, they never listened then so what makes you think somehow ,that they will take the time out and start to listen now. There are those that seek a better life , they just take what they need and there are those that just want everything their hearts are full of greed , but sadly those that want a change for all and better things, they're not the ones in power , the ones that pull the strings. I've seen them march on sunny days and i've seen them marching in the rain and in about a week or two they'll be marching there again , they say they have power in numbers i'll admit I though the same , but all my years have shown me that nothings really changed, Cause i've seen it all before and i've waved my banner high , I was a warrior for equality,but it was all just pie in the sky, they never listened then so what makes you think somehow ,that they will take the time out and start to listen now. My radical days are over my body's aching and sore, I have nothing left to give I can't do this anymore , but don't let me stand in between what you are fighting for, but it's no longer my battle ,it's no longer my war, it's no longer my war.

[@solidaritytime3650]

Man you look like you can't be older than like 75, max. You gave up too early. "No, don't tell me your troubles- you know, I don't have the time to spare! But if you wanna get together and fight, good buddy, that's what I wanna hear!" (Phil Ochs)

[@Sylvia-ly2qe]

@@solidaritytime3650awful to say this to him. You don’t know his life or what he’s been through. Try listening next time.

[@Abitterbuttercup]

Hey frank, what are the chords and capo for this song? I want to see if I can play it.

[@FrankWatkinson]

@@Abitterbuttercup Verses C F C G F C F G C C F C G F C F G C Chorus F G C F G C C7 F G C F G F G C...............................................This cover of it might help he does it better than me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5Cad2CrjMZ5r6M&ab_channel=BeauxJardins

[@zacharykirkham9481]

We used to fight the evil in charge now the evil uses us to fight each other

[@lawrence2087]

Morning Frank…An anthem for us old folk, written with feeling and emotion. An excellent tune!

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thanks Larry and also for the other song.

[@AdamMartin253]

Wow Frank! You are a modern day Bob Dylan! I got chills from this. Truly incredible! Thank you for sharing your talents with us. I appreciate you

[@nacoran]

Please don't say that that way. You are making me feel old! (And Bob is still around).

[@AdamMartin253]

@@nacoran Ha! Wasn't my intent of course to date anyone. It reminded me of the first time I heard "Blowin In The Wind". Tells a story, catchy and powerful!

[@kattepus_nicho]

Also this guy is a lot better than Bob

[@beauxjardins]

This song proves that you are still battling in your own remote kind of way!

[@et_ducky7405]

as a member Gen Z, i loved your music so much and it was so heart warming to hear your side of life, it inspired me to value and hold onto the relationship I have with my own grandparents and elders in my community. Don't stop being you are :)

[@bebopchan]

Frank, I'm an Army vet in the process of retiring after 26 years of active service. Nearly me whole adult life. I am willing to openly admit that I am not only nervous about what is next, I'm some what afraid. What are my Family and I really going back to? History repeats itself, yep, but not in the span of two generations, surely, right?! This song is absolutely beautiful and able to transgress generations whether your intent was written into it or not. Thank you!!

[@lauralake7430]

Hey, thanks for being a warrior. I may not have always agreed with the war, but I always supported the warriors who fought for me.

[@foundingfarther]

Much respect for your service. May I beg to argue, history doesn't repeat itself but it has a tendency to rhyme. This slight alteration adds the fact that so many of us do look to the past to alter our trajectory and do have an effect, even if it's not large and takes us centuries to learn small lessons.

[@paxtonpods]

this is beautiful, thank you for sharing your songs with the internet

[@MrMarkS-lg7yk]

It's amazing how a good song makes the world such a wonderful place for a few brief minutes.

[@Blue0_o]

This's exactly how i've been feeling lately and watching this somehow makes me feel seen

[@felix_quintana]

It may be the song of and old man, but many young and middle-aged ones share your thoughts. Beautiful.

[@allen1998_]

As a 25-year-old, charging through life with my young blood, I took a moment to pause and listen this, and now I think I won't be the same again. Thanks for making us see life from the other end. ❤

[@WatchWomanTruth316]

God bless you Frank. It’s going to be God’s batttle now. This is spiritual. God be with us all.

[@whatishiatus1641]

i love the comfort you bring to every song you play

[@RianneMision]

I just walked away from a situation that was destroying me emotionally even though I deeply cared for the person. I kept fighting to no avail. I was so upset about it last night I couldn’t sleep. Then this morning I wake up to your video. “No longer my battle” describes the situation perfectly. Thanks so much for your work Frank. You’ve brought a lot of joy through your covers and originals and really helped me today. ❤

[@ALCHEMICORACLE.universe]

so glad you are free of this situation ♥️♾️🐈‍⬛

[@yakadefi9579]

Instead of standing between me and my fight, your music helps me find my feet and keep pushing forward. Thank you for the beautiful work! By the way, there's this amazing musician that reminds me a little of you, I don't know if you've heard of her, she's called Joanna Newsom. I think you'd like her album The Milk-Eyed Mender. Try listening to her song Sprout And the Bean and see if you dig it!

[@felix_quintana]

"Do not put your trust in princes nor in a son of man, who cannot bring salvation."

[@FrankWatkinson]

I trust my dog.

[@MrMarkS-lg7yk]

@@FrankWatkinson 'I trust my dog - Love it! Could be a wonderful title for a song too!! :>)

[@Strade_]

It's hard to find music like this, I'm glad I found your channel.

[@foundingfarther]

I'll always lean to the left, but I won't let that left lean on me When it comes to a song meaning the right thing at the right time, I'll put this song next to Johnny Cash's cover of Hurt. Thanks for making me cry again old man!

[@JIINXIIE]

Beautiful. Simply beautiful!

[@Sylvia-ly2qe]

‘I have nothing left to give, I can’t do this anymore. But don’t let me stand inbetween what you are fighting for’ I really really felt this. I just try to be kind and make small differences to those I can reach with my words or my help. I think that’s the only thing any of us can do ❤

[@thruscrutiny]

Wow, Frank. What a song. Reminds me of one of my favorite Bukowski lines. "That will be enough. After all of the rest. After everything else." I think everyone feels this after a certain amount of time. None of this is a battle for any one person to fight and none of it is "Pie in the sky." We do our fighting together and after enough time, the hope is that the fight will end. There's an episode of "House M.D." where an atheist's wife is dying in the hospital. House finds him in the chapel praying and says, "I thought you were an atheist." The man replies, "When my wife fell ill, I promised her I would try everything to keep her alive. If I don't pray, I don't try everything." That's the point of it, I think. We try everything. We keep at it as a collective over a long period of time. And one day, maybe people who are here long after us, get to validate it all. "I'm not that man." For the record? I never for one second got the impression that you were. Thank you once again for sharing your music with us. Edit: A request: Lost Cause by Beck. If you could find the time, I would be thrilled to hear your take on this song.

[@Blue_Grass_Girl]

Aww Mr. Frank. Thank you so much. Makes me a quite a bit misty eyed.

[@luizguizibetti7560]

God bless you Frank, you're very talented, continue with the great work 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@MrMarkS-lg7yk]

Frank, I enjoyed your beautiful song, listened to it half a dozen times, and I've got many years on you. You've set up a command post in your sitting room and are fighting the good fight and winning. We all keep fighting in our way, and you've reached the rank of a singing General in my book. Keep fighting. Keep singing. Keep making people happy. This song is a real classic! And never say never. Bella Ciao!

[@pipermiller606]

I needed to hear this. Your music has reached my heart in a way that I will remember for a very long time. Thank you.

[@miguelbrito3289]

There’s many people my age that really dislike the elderly. I am so sad that’s the case- You guys have your quirks, but the a lifetime of experience is more valuable than gold! I wish I had somebody who would teach me all about life, and that would tell me stories about past times. Thanks for putting up with us.

[@VolSkew]

I love to keep your music on at low volume in the background while doing complicated math stuff late in the night. It's a juxtaposition of simplicity and complication which makes it peaceful.

[@lisaGSD]

I love this Frank, I am of the same heart as you, we never stop fighting for what we know is true, truth is ALWAYS exposed eventually 🙏🙏❤❤

[@np8772]

Amazing song, voice, feeling, everything! Thank you 🙏

Thank you so much for sharing this moving and delicate song with us, it made me tear up. Although I'm pretty young (26) I feel like I dont have the strength to continue some of my battles. I'll be coming back to listen to it again from time to time, maybe I just need a reminder that it's okay to let step out sometimes. Thanks from Brazil.

[@charbelwakim7663]

Hello Frank, great music! I recommend "what if i was nothing" by "all that remains", we will all love that cover i'm sure! 😊

[@Unnecessarilylongexplanations]

Hope and suffering are a potent mix. Even when the odds are 0%, we still fight, for what the soul believes to be right. Just as stories have been written, spoken, sung, since the dawn of humanity, about strife and triumph, it's been in our blood and hearts to fight for a better sunrise. Though it may be futile, I think that's what makes us human. And if perfection existed, would we still be?

[@MrMarkS-lg7yk]

Brilliant: 'Hope and suffering are a potent mix'

[@FrankWatkinson]

If nothing else it has people thinking.

[@MrMarkS-lg7yk]

@@FrankWatkinson Ever think it might be the grape 'jelly' you love to eat that triggers off your musical genius? Maybe a song entitled 'grape jelly'? LOL

[@felix_quintana]

"All of this I have seen, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, during the time that man has dominated man to his harm."

[@nacoran]

You tricked me. Had to got to the lonely part of the circle of fifths to find the right harmonica key to play along. Beautiful lyrics. I'm trying to teach myself enough guitar so that I don't have to rely on a band to do open mics. I either need some guitar rudiments or I have to figure out how to use a loop pedal for my harp.

[@FrankWatkinson]

I'm useless with keys.

[@lisaGSD]

SO MANY GOOD PEOPLE OUT THERE, we never lose hope and faith, we are amazing, carry on 🙏🙏❤❤

[@mandibailey9104]

🥲💞 Incredible, my friend ❤️ True & touching.

[@BraeburnTheBeef]

Beautiful Frank, just beautiful. You're a real legend for making an original song on top of making covers after all this time. Got nothing but respect!

[@Kel2_989]

This makes me cry......so beautiful.....thank you

[@sabina4009]

I'm very happy to have found your music a couple years ago.

[@kevinspringer8315]

Beautiful song sir. I found your channel because Im a big Lee Hazelwood fan. Really enjoyed your cover of “If its Monday Morning “. Thank you for sharing your music with us.

[@JaviAve]

here is an Argentinan who loves folk music appreciating this beautiful tune. Thank you, Frank, the world needs your songs!

[@pedroroggla8129]

Hacela amiguito

[@michaelsongs]

Good morning Frank. Thanks for sharing this original, a well stated viewpoint from your years of experience. Like any well written & well performed song, I started picturing each scene in my head. Kudos on sending energy & emotion thru this little digital box! 😍

[@Garzack]

Very beautiful i came to your channel after the nutshell cover and your songs are so beautiful and full of emotion almost defining the word music i appreciate you touching the hearts of those struggling out there you are a god amongst men please dont stop pumping out these great tunes my man 🙏

[@themountainwanderer]

Brilliant! Simple and powerful song.

[@albertcaporossi7912]

Hi Frank, a great greeting from Paris. With gratitude

[@BailLia07F]

Well said mate. You have powerful words from a powerful voice. Thank you.

[@northeasternguy1010]

So beautiful... thank you for sharing

[@Totally_Not_A_Pigeon]

You have such a way with words man. Thank you.

[@stevo9421]

Goose bumps. This is brilliant

[@pattie1705]

Simply beautiful!

[@lauralake7430]

So good. Im getting older, and this just hits home, somedays. Ill make the hot drinks when they get home, if home is still here.

[@BargainChad]

He needs a full band. A guy on keyboards for ambience, drums for a buildup midsong, backup guitarist for flourish, etc.

[@nikhiljjain1]

But then again he doesn't need anything. His songs are amazing just the way they are.

[@foundingfarther]

I like the intimacy of him and his guitar. But I was wrong before, Tenacious D's albums are better with a full band despite my love for their duo work. So this is hard to say. 😂

[@ocularglitterglue3077]

no words for how incredible you are with your guitar and voice. you inspired me to start playing guitar :)

[@TheDAl3l3LER]

Your voice makes me weep. Thank you.

[@MSTEMPO90]

it makes me calm...

[@dragoss0291]

Great song. Your songs and covers make my day everyday.

[@yams09]

this is wonderful, Frank. thank you

[@michele8491]

Beautiful 👏❤️

[@michele21auntiem]

Agree. 😊

[@TroyYounts]

Found your Spotify - Thanks for adding this Frank!

[@pedroroggla8129]

Great lyrics, great tune

[@coreymason3272]

Beautiful. Thank you! 😊

[@awesomeisasawesomedoesyo182]

This is beautiful Frank. You amaze me. You are a true artist. Thank you.

[@narberalg86]

Thank you, Frank, for giving us another beautiful tune. Found your channel only recently, but your songs always warm my heart, keep me going forward to see the better days.

[@alterweiermann9773]

Hallo Frank! Der Song berührt mich sehr. Wunderbar! Liebe Grüße aus dem Norden in Deutschland.

[@FrankWatkinson]

Danke.

[@martymcfly1833]

The way you use that dominant 7 chord during the chorus is super good.

[@digitalreporter]

No Longer My War: Frank Watkinson's Anthem of Reflection The 71-year-old songwriter’s poignant lyrics on generational disillusionment and quiet resilience strike a chord across divides. Frank Watkinson, a 71-year-old English singer-songwriter, has earned a devoted following on KZbin for his raw, acoustic compositions that wrestle with love, loss, and the passage of time. In his recent song, "No Longer My War," Watkinson steps into the well-trodden terrain of political activism and generational struggle, but through a lens only he could craft-one of hard-earned wisdom and reflective detachment. The song is as much a farewell to his radical days as it is a rallying cry for younger generations to find their own way. Its simple yet haunting arrangement underscores lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners young and old, creating a ripple of commentary across the world. A Song for the Seasons of Protest "No Longer My War" opens with a vivid tableau: protesters marching, slogans rising, banners waving-a scene that echoes countless movements across decades. Yet, Watkinson stands apart, singing, “I just stand aside, I can't do this anymore, it's no longer my fight, no longer my war.” This poignant refrain signals a departure, not from belief but from battle. The words encapsulate a sentiment familiar to those who’ve lived through cycles of activism: the weight of idealism tempered by age and experience. Watkinson weaves his personal evolution into the fabric of this song, chronicling his transition from youthful warrior to seasoned observer. Lyrics like “I was a warrior for equality, but it was all just pie in the sky” reflect a quiet cynicism born of seeing the same battles replay with little progress. Yet, there’s no bitterness here-only acceptance. As @lawrence2087, a fan, aptly commented, “An anthem for us old folk, written with feeling and emotion.” Generational Echoes in Music What sets "No Longer My War" apart is its ability to transcend generational divides. While Watkinson speaks from the vantage point of an elder statesman of life, listeners of all ages find their own truths in his words. Younger fans, like @et_ducky7405, have embraced the song’s perspective. “As a member of Gen Z, I loved your music so much. It was heartwarming to hear your side of life; it inspired me to value and hold onto the relationship I have with my own grandparents,” the commenter wrote. Watkinson’s influence extends beyond mere connection. His music inspires action. A fan, @ocularglitterglue3077, shared, “No words for how incredible you are with your guitar and voice. You inspired me to start playing guitar.” These responses underscore the timeless quality of his art: his music not only heals but also motivates. Between Protest and Powerlessness The song's third verse deepens its themes by tackling the imbalance of power. Watkinson sings, “Sadly, those that want a change for all and better things, they're not the ones in power, the ones that pull the strings.” It’s a sobering observation that resonates across eras and borders. Yet, it’s delivered with Watkinson’s signature gentleness, a tone that acknowledges reality without stripping away hope. @bebopchan, an Army veteran, found solace in Watkinson’s words, reflecting on their own fears about the future: “This song is absolutely beautiful and able to transgress generations whether your intent was written into it or not.” A Universal Farewell As the song draws to a close, the refrain “It’s no longer my battle, it’s no longer my war” is repeated with quiet finality. Watkinson’s understated delivery gives these lines the weight of a personal manifesto. Yet, as he steps back, he encourages others to step forward, singing, “Don’t let me stand in between what you are fighting for.” Listeners like @RianneMision, who left an emotionally abusive situation, find empowerment in the message. “I kept fighting to no avail. Then this morning, I woke up to your video. ‘No longer my battle’ describes the situation perfectly,” she shared. Conclusion: "No Longer My War" is not merely a song; it is a testament to the power of lived experience. Through his lyrics, Frank Watkinson encapsulates the journey from fervent activism to quiet reflection, all while urging younger generations to forge their own paths. His stripped-down acoustic arrangement amplifies the song’s emotional core, inviting listeners to lean into its truths. Watkinson's fans-from young guitar novices to retired activists-serve as living proof of his reach. They find healing, inspiration, and a sense of shared humanity in his music. One commenter, @AdamMartin253, perhaps put it best: “Frank, you are a modern-day Bob Dylan.” Summary: Frank Watkinson’s "No Longer My War" is a profound meditation on the cycles of activism, the passage of time, and the wisdom of letting go. With its reflective lyrics and understated melody, the song invites listeners into the mind of a man who has seen the world’s struggles from both the frontlines and the sidelines. Watkinson’s strength lies in his ability to speak universally through deeply personal narratives. His fans, spanning generations and geographies, testify to this power. From the veteran finding courage to face an uncertain future, to the Gen Z listener reconnecting with their grandparents, Watkinson’s music transcends barriers. At its heart, "No Longer My War" is not a song of resignation but of resilience. It offers a roadmap for finding peace in the face of life’s enduring struggles-proof that stepping back does not mean giving up, but rather making space for others to carry the torch.

[@sleepdeprivation5801]

I love this so much! I found your channel and im so obsessed with it you have such a beautiful voice I get teary everytime. You should sing take me down-smashing pumpkins or any smashing pumpkins song. I love ur videos!

[@lakshmansrivatsav]

Love from India Mr. Watkinson ❤❤❤You are such an inspiration.

[@jangles1839]

This is delightful and sad all at the same time. You sir are quite masterful with your wordage in your originals and so far from everything I've heard that you've written, this is my favorite. Says a lot how I feel and see things too. 💙🙏🏼

[@jops1004]

everything about this is perfect

[@hk-yc4je]

Reminds me of Kris Kristofferson. Lovely and thought provoking.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

Wow! I’m sure glad KZbin put this in my feed. What a beautiful song with so much emotion. I can relate to it. Seems like only yesterday I was out protesting as a young adult. How did the years pass so quickly?

[@jwsibelievehikeandfly2272]

Wow, bro, awesome!!!!!!! Thanks for the lyrics as well!!

[@thatguycalledjesse]

Such a beautiful song! I really love it!

[@michaelmcdonald3057]

Wow, kind of made me feel older than I am. And I am an old guy like you!

[@bluenote1986x]

Brilliant!

[@idontknow8898]

Stunning as always Frank!

[@lapislazuli1320]

I hope you are finding a little peace today Frank.

[@martymcfly1833]

Frank you’re such a good writer. You’ve seen so much in your time and I’m a huge fan of politics. So I can only wonder what you’ve witnessed. This song probably entails so much more for you than it does for me.

[@MistressofTheCrow]

beautiful 🖤😥🖤

[@krl.vs29]

your voince is amazing, thanks for sharing with us ❤‍🩹

[@mihael2246]

Hello Frank, you should consider playing Lewis Capaldi - Wish you the best. Good work and keep it going!

[@toothpaste2386]

do you know? your song makes me smile. l couldn't understand lyrics though. thankyou. from south korea

[@PranaadhikaSinhaDevburman]

thank you Frank

[@alondraax]

You're so talented :)

[@Amanda_Patterson]

♡ So Wholesome ♡

[@tr3f]

thank you for this!

[@majorflatd3992]

good song.i feel the same way but i haven't sorted it out yet.

[@MrReallogs]

holy shit my man, respect.

[@MrMarkS-lg7yk]

I had another listen to this one again. It's one of my favorites! Sad what the world is going through. Free Palestine!

[@FrankWatkinson]

did you here the cover it's better than mine.kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmnHi6mHmZxmqZo&ab_channel=FrankWatkinson

[@MrMarkS-lg7yk]

@@FrankWatkinson - I just did - really/really good! :>)

[@MrMarkS-lg7yk]

forgot to say Thank You for heads-up! :>)

[@foundingfarther]

Frank, I'd love to take this song and add footage of my protest days, maybe some of my thoughts, and upload it on my channel if you don't mind. Im not a big creator or anything, like friends and family only and I rarely upload. If i ever get time, I wanna make videos to explain life through music experience. How a songs meaning can grow through experience and how this same growth can happen at the individual level and as a shared experience. I went from being the rebel the south didn't want, to being the rebel the progressives didn't want, to being the rebel no one wants because i can see good in their enemies. I'd like to teach this if i ever have the time, and your song really encapsulates certian aspects of my philosophy and life. Don't feel bad to say no or not even respond. Not a damn bit! But just in case, I had to ask. 😁

[@FrankWatkinson]

As this is my own song you can do anything you like with it.

[@foundingfarther]

@@FrankWatkinson ty sir. I'll try to do it justice.

[@matheussilveira7935]

thats beutiful man

[@TroyYounts]

I am this man - i mean to say

[@mel-jh4st]

Hi Frank, hope u have a wonderful day today, tomorrow and always

[@Notrealmang]

If you ever get thw chance can you do go rest on that mountain by vince gill it would be very very appreciated

[@nodice8312]

Your keeping me up at night....💋

[@lisaGSD]

It's ALWAYS OUR BATTLE, never give up, talk to me on a radio show? ❤

[@FrankWatkinson]

I'll talk anytime , just email me, [e-mail] i have only just seen you linked comments , because i have links blocked because of the scammers. PS i used to live in Accrington Lancs.

[@lisaGSD]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jonCeoCAeNSEeaM

[@Coeursresilients]

Wow 💗✨️

[@121snapshots]

Well that was awesome

[@nannani4382]

I belive in the song