I wonder what it's like for you growing in the times you do
With a world more than a thousand shades of black and white and grey
The program's set so you can't win but I can still remember when
Life was such a simple thing and tomorrow is our day.
And America meant Disneyland baseball bats and hotdog stands
Hollywood and movies star and Mickey Mouse cartoons
Innocence was our best friend and heroes won out in the end
And the world just needed John Wayne's and Elvis Presley tunes.
I played on chess and softball teams you play games t.v. screens
Annihilating monsters and practising your aim
At least your triggers all in fun lights flash on the battles won
But ask your dad about the guns ask him what he became.
When America meant Vietnam LBJ and Uncle Sam
Freedom rules and protest songs marching in the streets
The Pentagons are in the news and people felt they had to choose
And then was such a lot to lose in victory or defeat.
The television set is on World Cup games and marathons
Compete with surviving children to be worthy of the news
You do your homework on the floor waiting for the latest score
While refugees from East Timor are being interviewed.
And America means CNN corpses scandals bush's men
Disneyland in Tokyo and satellites in space
The world's policeman's on the move and those of us who disapprove
Are drowned out by the drums tattoo and I cannot turn my face
Are drowned out by the drums tattoo and can you turn your face.