BEN BOSTICK
THE MYTH OF TRANSLATION
If you say what you mean
And I listen close
Then I’ll know what you mean
So the theory goes
But here in the real world
It don’t work that way
You claim I don’t hear
Anything you say
The myth of translation
Says words can convey
Intentions and meaning
From your heart to my brain
Miscommunication
Has plainly been framed
The myth of translation
Is clearly to blame
We feed our children
All flavors of lies
Sweet deceptions
To mask the taste of life
We teach the them to listen
We say go speak your mind
They grow up and leave us
And we wonder why
The myth of translation
Says words can convey
Intentions and meaning
From my heart to your brain
Miscommunication
Has plainly been framed
The myth of translation
Is clearly to blame
The news out of Babel
Was worse than reported
The editors knew that
We couldn’t have borne it
When hearts draw near
And wish to relate
Precious messages are shared
But they do not translate
The myth of translation
Says words can convey
Intentions and meaning
From my heart to your brain
Miscommunication
Has plainly been framed
The myth of translation
Is clearly to blame