LIBERTY & JUSTICE FOR ALL - LYRICS
(4) NAMES THAT FLOW TOGETHER (2:08)
(6) IT’S JUST NOT HISTORY (3:54)
(9) MY GOD IS IN MY SOUL (4:20)
(10) (WON’T YOU PLAY FAIR) BILL
O’REILLY (2:59)
(11) OH, YOU CAN’T SUE THE CONGRESS
(2:16)
(12) DOESN’T MAKE IT SO (3:42)
(14) LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL
(3:40)
(1) OLD RELIGION BLUES (4:01)
It all began one Sunday, in 1954
That old Pledge of Allegiance it needed something more
Though it seemed to be working for sixty-something years
The Nation had McCarthy. The Nation had great fears
The politicians sensed it. Hey, how could they refuse
They had the Pledge of Allegiance needs some old religion blues
The world was filled with danger. Got worse with every hour.
The people put the call in to Dwight D. Eisenhower
He had to save the children. The daddies and the mommies
They all needed protection from those scheming, evil commies
At least that’s what they fed us. It couldn’t be a ruse
They had the Pledge of Allegiance needs some old religion blues.
They ran it through the Congress. Each colleague gave a nod
Well damn the Constitution. This country needs some God
We know when doing battle, in all the different fights
One can’t be burdened with reminders of the Bill of Rights
With Him there on our side there ain’t no way we’ll ever lose
They had the Pledge of Allegiance needs some old religion blues
[Instrumental]
The atheists are coming! That was the common shout
They may think that they’re clever, but we know what they’re about
We all know quite precisely just exactly what they’re doin’
We’re not about to let them bring the country into ruin
It’s bad enough with Catholics, and Mormons and the Jews
They had the Pledge of Allegiance needs some old religion blues
This country is the greatest, and never have we faltered
It didn’t take so long to get that defective Pledge altered
And now that we have done it – with God here on our side
So what if indivisible means that we do divide
It’s freedom of religion as long as God you choose
They had the Pledge of Allegiance needs some old religion blues
No life, no direction. Tried some introspection
That led to detection. I’d just try election
Now ... But how?
No thoughts, quite inane. No looks, awfully vain
Some think a bit insane. And with no campaign
I ... Still thought I’d try
I can give a lot of maybees. I can shake hands and kiss babies
I know how to win I must confess
Ramble, prattle, babble, chatter; Gossip, blab, it doesn’t matter
Long as I just end it with “God Bless.”
Sure I sugarcoat. Deny what I wrote
I lie and misquote. But I get the vote
Amounts ... Are what counts
I love big events. Dinners, circus tents
Not one who resents. Peddling influence
‘Cause there ... I’m still fair
I can give a great oration. Just by saying education
Is sure one revolting horrid mess.
And ‘cuz we’re running out of time. I’m gonna be real tough on crime.
Death penalty – yeah! And God Bless.
To be Chief of State. Tough office feel the weight
But power makes it great. Like with Watergate
Spies ... And some lies
No rest; all’s a hurry. Each day built on fury
But still there’s no worry. Untruth to a jury
Is ... Just my biz
I can use the law with such finesse
Secret trysts in the Rose Garden. And the presidential pardon
Just don’t matter when I say ... God Bless. God Bless. God Bless.
“I, for one, am not going to stand for this country’s
being ruled by a bunch of atheists.
If they do not like it, let them leave.”
Here is a story you may not have heard
It’s frightful, surreal, grotesque and absurd
They sometimes speak of him with just one word
Like Charlie Parker, He’s known as Byrd
Here is the lowdown, here are the facts
He’s not quite the same as that man with the sax
Still he makes music just follow his tracks
But stay on the side where there are no blacks
He’s a Senator represents all of his state
Keeps getting elected so he must be great
And here is the motto he wears on his sleeve
If they don’t like it, then let ‘em leave
Robert C. Byrd, you will often hear say
Let people be free. Let each go rees way
He is a man for the whole
As long as you’re Protestant, and you’re not gay
He’s put up with Asians and Mexicans, too
And then last December he asked every Jew
To join him for prayer on that fine Christmas eve
If they don’t like it, then let ‘em leave
Robert C. Byrd, he’s a beacon of light
He’ll fight for the truth and he’ll fight for what right
He does inspire and he does unite
The masses of voters, Christian and white
If you’re a constituent you must be proud
And beaming with joy, want to just shout out loud
And as for the others that all seem to grieve
If they don’t like it, let ‘em leave
Don’t be confused by that callous facade
The way that he’ll clash, the way that he’ll prod
He’ll befriend any, except if they’re odd
And heaven forbid if they say there’s no God
He’s really quite honest of that there’s no doubt
If you’re not of his faith he’ll just kick you out
That he’s intolerant he’ll not deceive
If they don’t like it, let ‘em leave
(4) NAMES THAT FLOW TOGETHER (2:08)
Dear Mr. Newdow,
On behalf of the
The Forum was founded immediately after World War II by returning veterans who wanted to expand the visions of their law school classmates. Our distinguished guests have included Carl Sagan, Rudolph Giuliani, Martin Luther King, Jr., Nadine Strossen, Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, Thurgood Marshall, Eleanor Roosevelt, Malcolm X and Yitzak Rabin. We hope that we may add your name to this list.
Carl Sagan, Rudolph Giuliani, Martin Luther King, Mike Newdow
Names that flow together like the rivers as they flow into the sea
Carl Sagan, Rudolph Giuliani, Martin Luther King, Mike Newdow
Who’s the clown that thought that ree could put those losers on a list with me.
Gosh, you know my mother’s gonna brag to everybody in her phone book
And with every stranger that she meets she’ll tell the whole history
For Carl Sagan, Rudolph Giuliani, Martin Luther King, Mike Newdow
An audience at Harvard well you can’t take that lightly
It makes your armpits ooze and all your sphincters squeeze tightly
So, Mom, just go ahead you know you’re right to smile brightly as can be
Harry Truman, Thurgood Marshall, Nadine Strossen, Malcolm X, Mike Newdow
Now we’re talking major figures. People with names everybody knows
Harry Truman, Thurgood Marshall, Nadine Strossen, Malcolm X, Mike Newdow
Over many centuries you watch as each one’s reputation grows.
When you think of people who are legends and who change the world forever
There are not too many who last more than say a dozen years or two
But Harry Truman, Thurgood Marshall, Nadine Strossen, Malcolm X, Mike Newdow
I’m here now in the footsteps of that guy, Jimmy Carter
Who just got a Nobel and tho’ I’m sure he’s much smarter
I’ve watched him and it seems he worked a whole lot harder than you have to do.
I walked up to the capitol one January 20
The air was rather chilly but the sky was bright and sunny
I smelled a lot of money from the executive airs
Well something was a-happening. I knew by all the chairs
There were chief-of-staters, legislators, and paraders, too
Press and judges holding grudges. Man, it was a zoo.
It was the day the president had the inauguration
Of course, I didn’t see it ‘cause I had no invitation
And yet that didn’t stop me from a joyous celebration
Until I heard a minister in horrid violation
Of the document I love – you know that great old Constitution
The one that won’t allow one itsy-bitsy diminution
Of all the rights that to each individual inures
For tyranny from government man, it provides the cures
So I sure was offended and I felt it was sure odd
To hear at that inauguration prayers made to god
It’s clear that it cannot be constitutional behavior
For government to claim that Jesus Christ is some big saviour
But that’s what we were told, and you know we were told it twice
For Muslims, Jews and Atheists, you know that isn’t nice
But we all will pay the price. It is really quite concise.
A slice of vice that does suffice. An imprecise way to entice.
You know that it’s illegal from a governmental perch
If you need your religion get your booty into church
Knowing how religion in the government can be
A platform from which leaders trample on equality
So staying in DC I checked out congressional ways
And means by which our legislators start each of their days
It seems they take the tax dollars that each of us must pay
To have religious men and women stand around and pray
They act like it’s important but you really ought to know
That hardly any of them ever take the time to show
And right behind the dais they have what they surely must
It’s chiseled in the wall – the motto that “In God we Trust”
You ask whatever happened to our prized religious freedom
Of principles, what made you think our legislators need ‘em?
Such an strange idea makes me just burst right out in laughter
These are our officials who know there’s no everafter
They talk of God’s wrath but it seems that they don’t really fear it
And they have no idea what the hell is a Holy Spirit
So when you see the righteousness they’re always running by us
You really ought to wonder if they really are so pious
And when they try to shove their holy values down your throat
There are a bunch of factors of which you should sure take note
Like just what does each promote. Besides a way to get your vote.
They gloat, misquote and then demote. And sugarcoat the things they smote
This government we can’t let any Dick or Jane besmirch
If you need your religion get your booty into church
Democracy is wonderful, it’s one of man’s best tools
For progress seems progressive when the majority rules
But we surely aren’t fools when we maintain within our sights
The sanctity of upholding individual rights
And we all have the right to have a government that’s free
Of any kind of dogma that is made religiously
Religion is perhaps the world’s number one divider
So let’s not let a single citizen be an outsider
Because ree holds a view that’s different from all of rees neighbors
Their god may be quite wonderful but he sure rattles sabers
Let’s get him off our money and remove him from our pledge
The only thing he’s doing there is driving in a wedge
This country surely has no shortage of denominations
To count them all would take some PhD’s best computations
And this diversity is what has given us our riches
So let’s get rid of what has been the cause of many gliches
I’m talking about any view that is ecclesiastic
Our framers had the formula that’s worked out quite fantastic
You go your way, I’ll go mine. Let government forsake
Opinions on religion. There are none that it should take
It can’t say what’s real or fake. No more burning at the stake.
Don’t make an ache. They must awake and shake from their minds what’s opaque.
No one’s saying meaning to life’s not a worthy search
But if you need religion get your booty into church
Get your heavy-duty, tutti-fruity, always snooty, filled with coutie booty ...
Into church!
(6) IT’S JUST NOT HISTORY (3:54)
Up there on the hill there is this great big crucifix
Some believe it is an eyesore that we have to nix
Other folks get pleasure from it; they think all is great
But the first ones find offense and say, “Keep church from state”
Well, the ones who want it there, Say that it is only fair
For it to remain, and they’re euphoric
They say there should be no fears, It’s been there so many years
That the truth is that it’s just historic
It’s just not history. Can’t everybody see? I’m really not litigious
But, heck, I’m at a loss. Perhaps they’ve hit the sauce?
The thing up there – you know it’s called a cross
And that’s religious
The Supreme Court heard a case: Lynch v Donnelly
‘Bout a town’s display they had up for all to see
Deep in winter, white with snow, sidewalks rather iced
There was that depiction of the baby Jesus Christ
Mary there with all her charms. Baby Jesus in her arms
In the sky a light quite meteoric
Everybody ought to know, Things from oh so long ago
Clearly are considered things historic
It’s just not history. Can’t everybody see? I’m really not litigious
But now I’m in a bind. I’d like to just be kind
But has the Supreme Court lost its mind?!?
Cause that’s religious
E pluribus unum was a motto chosen well
Yet one day it disappeared, Why was that? Pray tell.
Well it seems our leaders felt it was best to declare
That our Constitution should come second after prayer
With the people all agog. Referencing the Decalogue
Congressmen proclaimed so categoric
“In God We Trust” – can’t you see? Comes to us from F. Scott Key
It’s a phrase that’s just purely historic
It’s just not history. Can’t anybody see? I’m really not litigious
Was Congress smoking weed? Perhaps strung out on speed?
Or maybe their folks liked to interbreed
Cause that’s religious.
When I first saw the Bill of Rights
I sure had some sleepless nights
For it struck a sinful chord
To see they’d left out the Lord
There’s nothing greater than the creator
Now I am a bit irate
What’s the deal with church and state?
When I first saw the Bill of Rights
I sure had some sleepless nights
I felt we were in the lurch
Without some established church
I give a nod to Nature’s god
There’s nothing greater than the creator
Now it’s time to set this straight
What’s the deal with church and state?
When I first saw the Bill of Rights
I sure had some sleepless nights
For I thought it was agreed
That Commandments we all need
All legislation’s from the Ruler of nations
I give a nod to Nature’s god
There’s nothing greater than the creator
Just how long must we all wait?
What’s the deal with church and state?
When I first saw the Bill of Rights
I sure had some sleepless nights
For there’s nothing to resist
Votes cast for an atheist
I just have awe for the Author of supreme Law
All legislation’s from the Ruler of nations
I give a nod to Nature’s god
There’s nothing greater than the creator
Hey, it’s kind of getting late
What’s the deal with church and state?
When I first saw the Bill of Rights
I sure had some sleepless nights
Since, of course, it isn’t fair
To not have a Christian prayer
I won’t dispense with divine
I just have awe for the Author of supreme Law
All legislation’s from the Ruler of nations
I give a nod to Nature’s god
There’s nothing greater than the creator
Now I’m not feeling so great
What’s the deal with church and state?
When I first saw the Bill of Rights
I sure had some sleepless nights
For as much as with the sword
Our land’s founded on the Lord
It’s not flighty to love the Almighty
I won’t dispense with divine
I just have awe for the Author of supreme Law
All legislation’s from the Ruler of nations
I give a nod to Nature’s god
There’s nothing greater than the creator
We can’t let our dreams deflate
What’s the deal with church and state?
When I first saw the Bill of Rights
I sure had some sleepless nights
For we clearly have a need
For the lord above to lead
I’ve been seeing a Supreme Being
It’s not flighty to love the Almighty
I won’t dispense with divine
I just have awe for the Author of supreme Law
All legislation’s from the Ruler of nations
I give a nod to Nature’s god
There’s nothing greater than the creator
We all need a new debate
What’s the deal with church and state?
(8)
Oh I know you had in store those Ten Commandments you adore
Though it’s a chore, Judge Roy Moore, could you get ‘em off the floor?
Cause although it’s been real fun, you know that now it is all done
I’m sad to say you haven’t won, and more appeals, well, you have none
You are looking like a crock, you and your flock, please just take stock
You need to knock it off its block and it shouldn’t be a shock
That your monument is odd, you got to take it off its pod
If you won’t do it for me, then will you please do it for God?
Well the feds they heard your case, and in disgrace right to your face
They said that space is not the place for religion to embrace
And it’s just not apropos. You ought to know it’s got to go
And though your woe has made you slow It’s time to blow this little show
So please hurry up and can it. Though the Lord may be a fan it
Doesn’t mean that on this planet you can leave that chunk of granite
In a governmental spot. You said, “Yes,” but they said “not”
Though you think you got salvation, here it looks like you’ve got squat.
Cause your honor now it’s time for all to get their rocks off
Well the thing that we all saw you know it really rubbed me raw
When
When he said he wouldn’t budge, Upon the courts he laid a smudge
Which is something I begrudge, Hell the man’s the state’s chief judge
And the old religious right felt they should stand around and fight
To maintain that legal blight upon that state judicial site
Get it out of the rotunda, boy, you know you made a blunder,
‘Cause rules of law you’re not allowed to desecrate and plunder
Now it’s time
to pray in private
Like an
adolescent’s car,
as society you mar we see you’ve turned into a star
And continuing to thrive while you are in overdrive,
Why at night did it arrive – did you connive to go deprive
Others of their aspiration for an all-inclusive nation
What’s it with your abdication and your willful violation
Of the other
folks’ protections,
And have very little interest in your nocturnal erections
Is he using his creation like some ancillary penis?
That from government, he’s got to get it the hell out a’ here.
(9) MY GOD IS IN MY SOUL (4:20)
My god is in my soul. He fills my heart with gladness.
He takes away the sadness. My god is in my soul.
Of malice I have not a whit. Would never say, “You atheist piece of sh**.”
God makes my life so full and rich. Share it with me “you sick son of a bi***.”
My god says to be good. Compassion is a blessing.
And so I am confessing. My god says to be good.
He’s taught me lessons I learned well. And “you should f***ing go to hell.”
But I’ll learn better if I can. I’m not “the idiest most stupidest man.”
My god instills in me, a strong need to show kindness
Toward evil I have blindness, my god instills in me.
Above god nothing can surpass. If “you have a wild hair up you’re a**.”
Until these thoughts you’ve mastered, you be an “imbicilic bast***.”
My god has shown me light. To everyone I’m facing.
I’ll always be embracing. My god has shown me light.
I’m thinking every minute, “There is a hell, and you will be in it.”
My god does make me smile, while “you’re disgusting and vile.”
I’ll always love my god. And serve him every moment.
I won’t let anger foment. I’ll always love my god.
For his love I am lusting. And yet, “you’re just disgusting.”
Could I leave his fold? No, never, “I hope you burn in hell forever.”
There is no love that is greater. “You are a traitor.”
Godless life I pity it. Choose that, “You’re an idiot.”
God’s love is so true. “You better change your godd*** view.”
I praise god and praise him often. Don’t want “one more nail in the coffin.”
With god life will never worsen. And, “You’re a horrible person.”
In my heart I know what’s true. There are “pieces of garbage like you.”
Through my travails thin and thick. “I think you’re really sick.”
To Him nothing can compare. “I hope you have strong asbestos underwear.”
I do love him to the core. “You are a stupid whore.”
He’s been Lord since time began, and, “You’re a sick man.”
He spreads love and he spreads grace to each “f***ing unpatriotic f***face.”
My life I pray he’ll approve, “If you don’t like it here, move.”
Love and glory fill my soul. “You’re one giant a**hole.”
I’ll always love my god. I’ll always love my god.
I’ll always love my god.
(10) (WON’T YOU PLAY FAIR) BILL O’REILLY (2:59)
Won’t you play fair, Bill O’Reilly? Won’t you play fair?
What’s this talk of “no spin?”
I’m not sure that’s the phrasing I would employ
When the show’s fixed so that you win
Maybe from this day forward, for all your guests
Someone should tell them you don’t care
You know it’s uncouth to snuff out the truth
Bill O’Reilly won’t you please play fair?
Won’t you play fair, Bill O’Reilly? Won’t you play fair?
At least say what you’re doing
When they sit in your green room, eating your fruit
Tell them you will be screwing
Them, ‘cause after taping
Comes editing, for which the victim should prepare
C’mon, be a guy, and just admit the lie
Bill O’Reilly won’t you please play fair?
They say that in the ratings, you’re doing well
You surely have some points to spare
I just hadn’t heard you’d cut every word
Bill O’Reilly won’t you please play fair?
Won’t you play fair, Bill O’Reilly? Won’t you play fair?
Your treatment’s rather harsh
Removing explanations, claiming you’re right
Just like you did with Marsh
Will you now take the credit for what you’ve done
For soon there’ll be no Senate prayer
For you cannot thwart what goes on in Court
Bill O’Reilly won’t you please, I mean it, Billy
Bill O’Reilly won’t you please, Bill O’Reilly won’t you please
Bill O’Reilly won’t you please play fair?
Hey, you played fair, Bill O’Reilly, Hey, you played fair
That time the show ran live
He didn’t cut my words out, He was a gent
I swear that ain’t no jive
Two people got their points in, they did converse
With kindness and respect to share
The show may now flop, But still don’t you stop
Bill O’Reilly won’t you please
I’m here down on my knees
While you’re on the Marquees
The next show I may freeze
Or maybe even seize,
But still I like your cheese
And all your expertise
Like bigger VIPs
You put your guests at ease
Bill O’Reilly won’t you please play fair
(11) OH, YOU CAN’T SUE THE CONGRESS (2:16)
Oh, you can't sue the Congress (Oh, you can't sue the Congress)
If the case is moot (If the case is moot)
'Cause if it’s moot ('Cause if it’s moot)
There ain’t no suit (There ain’t no suit)
Oh you can't sue the Congress if the case is moot
'Cause if it’s moot there ain’t no suit
I just can’t believe they’ve whored no more.
Oh, you can't sue the Congress (Oh, you can't sue the Congress)
If the case ain’t ripe (If the case ain’t ripe)
'Cause if it ain’t ripe ('Cause if it ain’t ripe)
They say it’s tripe (They say it’s tripe)
Oh, you can't sue the Congress if the case ain’t ripe
'Cause if it ain’t ripe they say it’s tripe
I just can’t believe they’ve whored no more.
Oh, you can’t sue the Congress (Oh, you can't sue the Congress)
When they got the Lord (When they got the Lord)
‘Cause they’re assured (‘Cause they’re assured)
He can’t cause discord (He can’t cause discord)
Oh, you can’t sue the Congress when they got the Lord
‘Cause they’re assured he can’t cause discord
I just can’t believe they’ve whored no more.
Oh, you can't sue the Congress (Oh, you can't sue the Congress)
As an institution (As an institution)
With its prostitution (With its prostitution)
Of the Constitution (Of the Constitution)
Oh you can't sue the Congress as an institution
With its prostitution of the Constitution
I just can’t believe they’ve whored no more.
Oh, you can sue the Congress (Oh, you can sue the Congress)
As we all have seen (As we all have seen)
Cause they must come clean (Cause they must come clean)
When they intervene (When they intervene)
Oh you can sue the Congress as we all have seen
Cause they must come clean
When they intervene
I just can’t believe they’ve whored no more.
I just can’t believe they’ve whored no more.
I just can’t believe they’ve whored no more.
(12) DOESN’T MAKE IT SO (3:42)
Through
your life you'll hear some things others say are true
Senators
and clergymen and your teachers, too
Listen
well to what they say, but you need to know
That
just because they said it, doesn't make it so.
Listen
to your elders. Show them due respect
When
the bishop speaks to you, bow and genuflect
Try
to understand each word so your mind can grow
But
just because he said it, doesn't make it so.
You’ll hear so much. How can you know
What’s just not true? What just isn’t so?
People believe with such fervid zeal
Question everything to find out what’s real
As
you look around the world, it's clear that you must
Put
your faith in others. Grant a bit of
trust.
You
can't challenge every statement. Some
you just let go
But
just because you’ve read it, doesn't make it so.
People repeat stories that they hear
Certain they’re right, but just one thing’s clear
They often know nothing more than you
Question everything to learn what is true
I
will always be nearby, guide you in your years
Love
you through your laughter, hold you through your fears.
Try
to give you answers when your questions flow
But
just because I said it, doesn't make it so.
I tried to learn some history when I was just a boy
Thought knowing ‘bout our government would bring all sorts of joy
But I could never manage to keep any of it straight
And soon that subject was the source of anguish, grief and hate
Heck, I was good at math and spelling and the English lit
Give me a physics problem I know I won’t flinch a bit
But if you want to see a vision of intimidation
Just watch me with a question ‘bout the forming of our nation
I went to see the guidance counselor. She gave me some test
Thought that would lead to answers to the cause of my unrest
She postulated theories of why I despised that class
But all her ruminations did was give me lots of gas
So finally I told myself, “The answer must be here”
“Man, stop and think, why is it that this subject is unclear
And suddenly the answer was so obvious to me
The problem is too many words start with the letter, “C”
Christopher
Columbus Comes to this new Continent where Communities Congregate and Coalesce
into Colonies such as
Now the Colonies, Controlled by the British Crown,
Confront Conditions Chronicled by a Capacity for Compassion Corroding into
Coercion and Compulsion. This
leads the Colonists to Counter with Constant Complaints to the
Crown’s Commandants, Criticizing what they Contend is Corrupt Conduct for
which the Crown should be Considered Culpable. When the Crown – Countenancing Continuous and Contemptuous Calumnies and Contumelies – Controverts this Claim, the Colonists Conceive of
and Create Continental Congresses,
Calculated to Cultivate Contentment while Containing any Coming Conflicts or Clashes
against a Clearly Cruel, albeit Cultured Commonwealth.
Contentiousness Continues, and when Combat
Commences at
Concurrently, the Cardinal
Characters Convene to Compose
the Articles of Confederation. Yet,
they Come to Conclude that its Clauses
are not of a Caliber Capable of Conveying the Correct Concepts.
In Consequence,
Convinced of a Coming Catastrophic
Calamity, a Constitutional
Convention is Called to Contemplate the Costs and Conveniences
of the Countless Components of the Callow Country’s Causes.
Conducted in Clandestine Confines Close to the Construction of the County Courthouse (which would Come to be Called Congress Hall), this Coterie of Contiguous Colonies – Cast as a not Conspicuous Cadre of Crusading (yet Capable of Compromising) Congressmen – Conscientiously and Convincingly Conspires to Capture the Core Content of our Culture, Climaxing in the Creation of our Coruscating Constitution.
It really wasn’t difficult for once I understood
The cause of my confusion I did excellently good
And now I have a masgtery of all those early days
Just ask me any question there are few that ever faze
Me. Gosh, I love the Framers and document they wrote
I read it and a lump and bump will jump into my throat
‘Cause our land’s based on principles, the highest there can be
I’m proud to know the history and all I’ve learned to “C” (see).
(14)
Who can know what they were thinking then
What ideas were cast among those men
Plans resolved, then analyzed again
What did they hope we’d be?
Every day the mornings turned to nights
Filled with dreams, and arguments and fights
For a land where the people hold the rights
For a land of the free
We are here joined as a nation
And we stand righteous and tall
We are
With
Look around, and tell us what you see
An ideal of opportunity
Can we really find the harmony
That reflects how we care
In the sage words written long ago
Principles they planted so we’d know
That if nurtured we would surely grow
Filled with riches to share
We are here joined as a nation
And we stand righteous and tall
We are
With
If another citizen you meet
On a mountain or a city street
Take his hand for there is no retreat
After we’ve come this far.
We can’t know the future we’re to face
But it’s clear we’ll handle it with grace
Every creed and religion and each race
Proudly says who we are
We are here joined as a nation
And we stand righteous and tall
We are
With Liberty and Justice for All.