
Straits and Sparks
Lyrics & Sources
Straits and Sparks
Verse 1 — Iran and the Gulf
A new voice rises where the old one fell, Vows the narrow gate stays locked like hell. Mines in the throat of the world’s blue vein, Tankers burning smoke, salt tasting like pain. Families push north under siren skies, From Beirut’s shadows to Tehran’s cries. Grids flicker in the desert wind, Whispers of spies, and flights begin again.
Sources:
Iran says its new leader made his 1st address, vowing to keep Strait of Hormuz closed – NPR
Iran war: What is happening on day 13 of US-Israel attacks? – Al Jazeera
No relief from high prices despite deal to release historic amount of petroleum reserves – NBC News
UNHCR: Up to 3.2 million Iranians temporarily displaced in Iran as conflict intensifies – UNHCR
Nearly 700,000 displaced in Lebanon as Middle East crisis escalates – UN News
Displacement in Lebanon grows as Israeli military operations expand – CBC News
Early Edition: March 12, 2026 – Just Security
Chorus
Straits are closed and the oil runs high, Kids need dawn while the markets cry. Missiles roar and the ballots rise, Hold the line, don’t let the world run dry. Straits and sparks, a wire on fire— We sing through smoke; we won’t get tired.
Verse 2 — The Oil Release
They broke the glass on the red alarm, Uncapped the vaults to calm the storm. Barrels bleed from iron beds, But the price still climbs on fear and dread. Analysts say there’s one true key: Open water to a restless sea. Warships wait, the escort’s late, And hope runs thin at a shuttered gate.
Sources:
IEA agrees to release record 400 million barrels of oil to address Iran war supply disruption – CNBC
IEA announces historic oil reserve release amid Iran war – Axios
Major, multi-country oil release deal fails to bring down petroleum prices – NBC News
International Energy Agency announces largest ever release of reserve oil amid Iran war – ABC News
IEA approves largest-ever oil reserve release of 400m barrels amid Iran crisis – Euronews
IEA members to tap into oil reserves – NPR
Iran War: IEA to Release 400 Million Barrels of Oil Reserves to Lower Crude Costs – Foreign Policy
Plans for record emergency oil release signal Middle East war could drag on for months – CNBC
Chorus
Straits are closed and the oil runs high, Kids need dawn while the markets cry. Missiles roar and the ballots rise, Hold the line, don’t let the world run dry. Straits and sparks, a wire on fire— We sing through smoke; we won’t get tired.
Verse 3 — Sudan’s Schoolyard
A drone found a school and a clinic’s door, Turned chalk to ash on the classroom floor. Little hands that should hold the sun Were counted in silence when the counting was done. The world looks east while the river weeps, White Nile mourning its stolen sleep. Voices in blue say they’re appalled, But children keep moving—home’s been walled.
Sources:
A drone strike hits school and medical center in southern Sudan, killing 17, mostly schoolgirls – Washington Post
Young girls among the dead in drone strike that kills at least 17 in Sudan – CBC News
Students among 17 dead in RSF drone attack in Sudan's White Nile State – Al Jazeera
17 killed in Sudan drone strike on school and medical centre – Boston Globe
Drone strike in Sudan near the border with Chad kills 4, injures many more – Washington Times
Chorus
Straits are closed and the oil runs high, Kids need dawn while the markets cry. Missiles roar and the ballots rise, Hold the line, don’t let the world run dry. Straits and sparks, a wire on fire— We sing through smoke; we won’t get tired.
Verse 4 — Markets in Freefall
Tickers bleed on a third dark day, Jets and cruises drift away. Yields bite harder, debts run cold, Mortgages tighten their winter hold. Traders know what headlines tell: When the choke point shuts, the prices swell. “Unmatched shock,” the watchdogs say— Only open lanes can quiet the fray.
Sources:
Stock market news for March 12, 2026 – CNBC
Stocks fall and global oil reclaims $100 as Iran's new supreme leader vows to keep Strait of Hormuz closed – CNN Business
Stock Market Today (Mar. 12, 2026): U.S. markets fall for third consecutive day – The Street
Stock market today: Dow drops 700 points, S&P 500, Nasdaq sink as oil soars back toward $100 – Yahoo Finance
Chorus
Straits are closed and the oil runs high, Kids need dawn while the markets cry. Missiles roar and the ballots rise, Hold the line, don’t let the world run dry. Straits and sparks, a wire on fire— We sing through smoke; we won’t get tired.
Verse 5 — North Korea at Sea
Steel hull prowls on a trial tide, Cruise-fire arcs from the western side. A leader watches with steady stare, His daughter framed in the salted air. Drills to the south beat steady drums, His sister warns how the thunder comes. New teeth at sea, ambitions wide— A future drawn on a rising tide.
Sources:
North Korean leader Kim watches cruise missile tests with his daughter – NBC News
North Korea conducts second cruise missile test from new warship in last week – NK News
North Korean Destroyer Tests Strategic Cruise Missile – USNI News
North Korean leader Kim watches cruise missile tests with his daughter – Washington Post
North Korea's Kim oversees cruise missile tests from new naval destroyer – Al Jazeera
Verse 6 — New Hampshire’s Flip
In a lakeside district tinted red, A Democrat walked where a Republican tread. After a seat went south, a door swung free, A whisper turned to a turning key. Party lines tremble, warning lights glow, But the map still leans with a granite slow. The chamber stays guarded, the governor too, Yet ballots can murmur what bombs can’t do.
Sources:
N.H. Democrat wins local special election in GOP-leaning district – Boston Globe
Wolfeboro Democrat Boudman wins upset in special election, captures GOP House seat – NHPR
Democrats flip New Hampshire House seat in special election – The Hill
Democrat wins Lakes Region special election for seat in historically Republican district – New Hampshire Bulletin
Democrats Score Stunning Victory in District Trump Won Easily in 2024 – The New Republic
Dems score upset win in New Hampshire special election, giving GOP fresh reason to worry – MSNBC
Final Chorus — Break the Wire
Straits are closed but the song cuts through, Kids need dawn, let the daylight through. Missiles roar, yet the ballots rise, Hold the line—let truth baptize. Straits and sparks, a world on wire, Fuel the heart, not just the fire.
Outro — Ignite the Ending
Open the lanes, drown the dread, Ground the drones, lift the head. Cut the fuse, clear the sky, Let the ships run free and the tears run dry. Raise your voice, let the static fade— We are the chorus this chaos made.
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