Al Stewart - Night Meeting lyrics

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 cla**ified. It was a night meeting Independently arranged 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 officially exist.