Please check out this wonderful poem by Clive James, who inspired the writing of this song: https://archive.clivejames.com/poetry/asma.htm

Also, the brilliant suitcase diorama shown in the song image is by Mohamad Hafez in collaboration with Ahmed Badr. https://www.unpackedrefugee.com/

For the great escape
Did you pack a case
For all your cashmere sweaters
It’s cold up there this time of year

Did you carry them
To the waiting plane
Or were your fingers bleeding
From writing all your pleas for help

Your pretty varnished fingernails
Used to fold up all your chiffon and your lace
But for the rest there’s no escape

How did it end this way
When you promised so much progress
When will you feel their pain
Just a second of their anguish
Governed with iron bars
No rest for the wicked
As you unpack your case
Again

20 years ago
Before the overthrow
The future looked so golden
This girl from London fit for Vogue

The uncovered hair
And the pleasant air
A voice for every woman
But in the end just empty words

Your pretty varnished fingernails
Used to fold up all your chiffon and your lace
But for the rest there’s no escape

How did it end this way
When you promised so much progress
When will you feel their pain
Just a second of their anguish
Governed with iron bars
No rest for the wicked
As you unpack your case
Again

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