Here I stand with a tear in my eye
Funny how it feels just the same
As it has done for centuries over and over
When we swore never again
The views of the people are not your own
So you abuse your powers again
No great surprise, it's just what we expect
From the likes of you reigning men
Mother dear mother
Earth binds us together
In this land where the laws we obey
We risk alienation from the heart of the nation
If our rulers we dare to betray
But I'll let down my guard
And I'll remove my thumb
Free the words that I just have to say
For I've found no longer can I hold my tongue
I've been pushed that bit too far today
(And there's no going back from this day)
Oh what is a man?
Help them to know,
Help to meek understand.
And oh how do we learn,
From the bile of your tongue,
From the skin of your hand?
When despots pass judgement
On the flaws of our lives
Judging things that they never have lived
They never falter for they're never wrong
And compassion they never can give
Dictator your weaknesses are thinly disguised
All regimes someday come to an end
The battered and bruised
Like the phoenix shall rise
And dispose of all reigning men
(And dispose of you reigning men)
Oh what is a man?
Help them to know,
Help the meek understand what you mean by this.
And oh how do we learn,
From the bile of your tongue,
From the skin of your, back of your hand.
I'd never deny yours so please
Don't suppress my history
At least giving the dignity
Of recognition
Here I stand with a tear in my eye
Funny how it feels just the same
As it has done for centuries over and over
When we swore never again
The views of the people are not your own
So you abuse your powers again
No great surprise, it's just what we expect
From the likes of you reigning men
Oh from the likes of you reigning men