I've seen many fingers point
And many heads shake
I've seen brilliant ideas
That were labeled mistakes
I've seen the dreams of our youth
Crushed by cynical drones
I've seen the richest of rich
Strip the poor of their bones

I've heard whispers of change
Squandered by tactics of fear
I've seen pillars of smoke
That make stars disappear
I've seen wars of aggression
Flipped for the masses
I've seen the crookedest crooks
Be given free passes

I've seen, and I've heard
I've witnessed, and read
I've swallowed the mouthfuls
Of lies I've been fed
I've searched for the answers
In all the wrong places
I've trusted the smiles
On all the wrong faces

Over and over
It's always the same
Another ten dollar bill
Attached to a chain
Another raft full of bricks
Docked in a harbor of pain
Another bathtub of hope
Without a plug in the drain

They'll wine you and dine you
And nod with a smile
But in secret
They're keeping tabs all the while
Every hand that they lend
Will cost you an arm
Better synchronize your heartbeat
To your morning alarm

You trade your name for a number
And your soul for a check
For some gold on your wrist
And some pearls round her neck
Well that fate's not for me
Though it may be for you
I'll trade a lifetime of lies
For a moment of truth

And when the time has arrived
For them to carry their load
A lifetime of suffering
All measured in gold
As they drag their chains through the graveyard
And into their holes
I'll be wandering weightless
Somewhere out on the road

i swear, i can hear bob dyaln singing this as i read it.

This is really strong man. I agree with the Dylan comparison, but i also hear Tom again. The first verses especially also reminded me a little bit of Light Years - i could almost sing these lyrics over Light Years. But don't get me wrong, i'm not being critical. And even though your influences are apparent, you still seem to have your own style/voice stamped onto it (yes, basing this on two lyrics of yours )

Thanks to both of you guys for reading and commenting on these last two pieces I've posted. It means a lot.

i like your lyrics a lot. looking forward to hearing the finished product

Excellent lyrics... wish I could write something this good.

I get a Metallica / Megadeth vibe from this.

I like. Muchly.

beautiful. really Dylan-ish.

very, very solid. like others have said, i'm looking forward to hearing this when you get it recorded. it's got a deep "masters of war" kind of intensity when i read it.

nice job.