we must live like it matters that we lived
we must work like it matters what we do
there is so much hate, so much cruelty
i tell myself there is hope, just wait
understanding to wait is not nearly enough
the knowing in me says the beginning is near
i want to shout it from the bell tower!
when the shrapnel flies in certain quarters
we all shrug our shoulders, think nothing
nobody says, never again—it is always again
can it possibly be we will never awake?
evil is entrenched in the world at large
the documentaries show it to our faces
so many are become the refuse of this age
dead dead dead dead... they are all dead
sometimes to think a good life is an island
and the oceans around us all are toxic
at any given wave to sweep us into tragedy
we pray and hope that mercy does not expire
we must live like it matters that we lived
we must work like it matters what we do
but if the unkind renders us casual victims
you will find us heroes, newly found braves
this audience fears not to take the stage
and you will find it is you who are afraid
