The Shadows We Feed

Listen up, because we're diving deep Into the mind where corruption sleeps It's not just out there, it's in here too In the choices we make, in what we do Power whispers, "Just a little more" Greed opens up an endless door The human mind, a battlefield of desire Where ethics and temptation build a pyre We're all susceptible, don't you see? To the siren call of "What's in it for me?" It starts so small, just a tiny seed A favour here, a blind eye there, the shadows we feed Cognitive dissonance plays its part Justifying wrongs, it's a perverse art "Everyone does it," we tell ourselves As integrity gets dusty on the shelves Fear of missing out, of falling behind It drives us to leave our morals behind The slippery slope, it's steep and it's quick Before you know it, you're in too thick Maslow's hierarchy was thrown out of whack When survival mode puts ethics under attack Fight or flight becomes cheat or bribe As desperation changes our vibe But wait! There's more to this corrupt equation Social norms, culture, expectations When the system's rigged when cheaters win The honest feel like they're wearing thin The bystander effect, we all play a role Watching corruption take its toll Silence is complicity, don't you know? Every time we look away, we let it grow So what's the cure for this human flaw? This tendency to break every law? It starts with awareness, by looking inside At the choices we make, the truths we hide We must feed the light, starve the shadow Build a culture where ethics can grow It's not easy, it's not quick, but it's right To face our demons, to win this fight 'Cause corruption's not just "them," it's "us" It's in our nature, but so is trust We have the power to choose our path To build integrity that will last So look in the mirror, face what you see The power to change starts with you and me Corruption's roots run deep, it's true But so does our potential to start anew! It's time to rise, to break the chain To wash away corruption's stain The human mind can be our greatest tool In building a world where justice rules!