Salman Ahmad's "No More" is the only song denouncing terrorism to come from the region of the world where terrorism has thrived...
on the 5th anniversary of 9/11 to act as a wake up call for all people who believe in tolerance and cultural harmony. "No More" is the only song denouncing terrorism to come from the region of the world where terrorism has thrived, a unique expression of empathy and solidarity from the other side of the globe.. I needed to do something to heal my own wounds, says Salman, and the show we gave near Ground Zero was one of the most deeply moving concerts I've ever experienced. After the show I met Polar Levine, a New Yorker who'd brought his nine year old son to the show. I told him that this concert had shown to me what America was really all about: unity in adversity."
Ahmad continues, "A few days later, Polar presented me with a poem that he had written right after the 9/11 attacks and said, 'you're free to do whatever you want with it'. Until that moment, Pakistan's long history of terrorism, violence and poverty had focused me on writing only in Urdu language my songs. 9/11 brought a huge paradigm shift to my consciousness. I now have a reason to write English songs. I want to comment on the flood of paranoia, grief, and crisis of identity that the world is collectively experiencing and "No More" is like a first painting." Ahmad used Levine's poem as the basis for "No More."
NO MORE Lyrics
©2002 Salman Ahmad & Polar Levine
In my lungs through my windows
on my head on the floor
ashes of falling hope
choking me inside these doors
stormy winds seduce the night
over new york and karachi skies
sinking in a sea of time
mourning since 11/9
No more, I'm breathing you no more, I'm missing you no more, No more
God and money take the blame
for suicidal video games
if all that lives is born to die
love remains I wonder why
on black and white tv
red is all I see
I'm sick of spying eyes
wearing suits and secret ties
(Repeat) No More
the dream is not yet over
keep yourself alive
hold on
we may survive
(Repeat) No More Lyrics by Polar Levine and Salman Ahmad
Music by Salman Ahmad