__I cannot even begin to understand how governments can fail to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. They know - absolutely know - that Palestinian children are dying in droves. The children are killed by bombs, maimed, traumatised, experience amputations without anaesthesia, and they are starving. _

For this song, I chose a tune which has been around since about 1710. Children should sing this happily but we are destroying childhood.

My school had a percussion band Of drums and shakers filled with sand Cymbals bells and scratchy things Triangles too were made to ping

The teacher played some music grand And out the front conducting would stand Pointing the baton to a great big chart So we all knew when to play our part

The rhythm of life in Gaza today Has naught to do with schoolrooms or play It’s tapped on basins pots and pans That starving children hold in their hands

Children line up in an orderly way For food they beg day after day Wondering how long they must wait And how to digest this terrible fate

The music they hear is not pleasant or sweet But made by bombs whining in the street The roar of buildings crashing down The screams of mothers - such awful sounds

The rhythm of life in Gaza today Has naught to do with schoolrooms or play It’s tapped on basins pots and pans That starving children hold in their hands

They have no need of beater or stick Their tears like rain fall just as thick Their tears make the sound on begging bowls Conductor grim reaper after their souls

Children drumming in Gaza today Their tears rattle out the tune of our shame Will they ever play tambourine Or will they die in this war obscene?

The rhythm of life in Gaza today Has naught to do with schoolrooms or play It’s tapped on basins pots and pans That starving children hold in their hands

Their stomachs are empty Stretched tight as a drum This is our fault What have we become?