[VERSE 1] The roosters crow in Tokyo They check their phones before they go One question trending, can’t be beat From Bangladesh to Baker Street Grandmas squint at glowing screens In languages no one convenes From Reykjavik to Kathmandu They all want the same breaking news [CHORUS] Is he dead yet? Is he dead yet? Seven billion people haven’t slept Checking Reuters, checking CNN Refreshing, refreshing, refreshing again Is he DEAD yet? (Please. We’re begging you. We’re so tired.) [VERSE 2] The Pope has got a Google Alert The Dalai Lama’s fingers hurt From typing in that sacred phrase That’s haunted all our waking days NATO generals stare at dawn The Ukrainian chorus carries on Even Putin (irony!) Checks the feed anxiously [CHORUS] [BRIDGE — spoken word, breathless newscaster voice] Sources say he ate a fourth Big Mac. Sources say the golf cart wouldn’t go uphill. Sources say the hair is operating independently. Sources say— no, wait— false alarm. Again. The markets briefly rallied. Then remembered. The markets wept. [VERSE 3] A man who bankrupted a casino Sold the country like a beanie Whose IQ peaked at “steak well done” Convinced his base he’s God’s own son Who called the generals “my generals” Who treated laws like just suggestions Who turned the White House to a grift And called corruption just a gift [CHORUS — double time, increasingly unhinged] IS HE DEAD YET? IS HE DEAD YET? Climate scientists in quiet prayer Human rights lawyers in despair Gold Star families, allies, the press All the women he dispossessed Every nation, every creed United in this single need— IS HE DEAD YET? [OUTRO — slow, hymnal, achingly sincere] Not out of hate, we tell ourselves Just… tidying up the shelves Of history. A little dust. Democracy’s a matter of trust. So every morning, every night, We scan the news by phone-screen light And ask the question, raw and true: Is the damage finally… through? Is he dead yet? Is he— …No. …No. …Goodnight. [The whole world sighs. Sets a new alarm. Tries again tomorrow.]
