Awake at the bottom

Of the barrels we cry out

So ashamed of our tears that

We blame only ourselves

That's when they win

They keep us convinced

To lift up our chins

These playing fields are level

We all have a chance

With that they dismiss

The fast lanes they row

What it takes, it depends on who you know

Or where you came from

Whose daughter are you?

Whose fortunate son?

Will it so

To stick up our bones

And piece from the letters

How we settled the crimes



Is this an over-reaching arm

Or is this compassion?

Is this a handout undeserved

Or a just reparation?

(a just reparation)



Away from the towers

High above the ceiling tombs

Tell themselves

That they've earned this

Like working hard

Or playing by the rules

But this is only part true

A dangerous trick

Played on me and you

And so like a practical joke

We put on these bootstraps

So high that they broke



Is this an over-reaching arm

Or is this compassion?

Is this a handout undeserved

Or a just reparation?



And like a single domino

That falls while the rest stay vertical

Will you fear these empty fairytales

Or will you believe them?



And if fear's a game

You better pray

That this sleeping giant never wakes



If we just take a step back

A bigger picture we might view

Perhaps the man in the gutter

Is not so different from you



Come in, out of the cold

Forget all that you know

Because there's always been room

By the fire for you, oh

Come in, out of the cold



Will you believe them?

Is this an over-reaching arm

Or is this compassion?

Is this a handout undeserved

Or a just reparation?

And like a single domino

That falls while the rest stay vertical

Will you fear these empty fairytales

And I'm through believing