When Freedom Rings
The bus pulls out for morning routes
on empty streets
as the cops rouse up the homeless
on the sidewalks sound asleep
and it’s no surprise.
A world away one soldier
makes his father proud
as the bullets rip the air
he calls his Savior’s name out loud
and it’s no surprise.
When one man makes his fortune
while a million more go hungry
with the layoffs and payoffs
in the name of god and Country
singing “Glory Hallelujah!” we go marching on
never asking why we don’t hear the angels sing
when freedom rings.
Asylum in disorder
migrants brave the night
they caravan to borders
asking “Who will save a life?”
and it’s no surprise.
We barricade the classrooms
with a wall of hands
between the bully and the gunman
our kids don’t stand a chance
and it’s no surprise.
When one man makes his fortune
while a million more go hungry
with the layoffs and payoffs
in the name of god and Country
singing “Glory Hallelujah!” we go marching on
never asking why we don’t hear the angels sing
when freedom rings.
(I’ve heard them say
how much they love this land.
Tell me again
the progress that we’ve made?)
My sister called me crying
when my mother passed away
then the bankers hired their lawyers
to collect on bills unpaid.
So someone tell my brothers
that I won’t be coming home
there’s no love lost between us
since I struck out on my own
singing “Glory Hallelujah!” boys it’s no surprise
men like you and I
we don’t hear the angels sing
don’t ask me why
we don’t hear the angels sing
when freedom rings.
Copyright © Mateus Corvinus | Year Posted 2019
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