[Verse 1] There’s a whisper in the courthouse, a shadow on the hill Power trading hands behind the people’s will With a flag wrapped around it, they preach and they spin But the danger to freedom comes softly within [Verse 2] They sell fear like candy, dress it up in pride Say the truth’s just opinion, and the facts have all died They offer a strongman to quiet the storm But the silence he brings is far from the norm [Chorus – Call to Action] Do not look away, do not stay still The cost of freedom is a restless will Stand up, speak out, hold the line true The promise of this land depends on you [Verse 3] The power you hand them, they will not give back It’s a one-way street, it’s a runaway track So protect the court, guard the pen and the press Or you’ll wake to a country you no longer recognize or bless [Verse 4] It ain’t just the tyrants, it’s the folks who sit still Who say “That ain’t my problem” while the cold winds chill It’s the comfort of couches, the blink of the screen While the soul of a nation slips in between [Chorus) Do not look away, do not stay still The cost of freedom is a restless will Stand up, speak out, hold the line true The promise of this land depends on you [Verse 5] But you’ve got a voice, and you’ve got a name You’ve got a duty no tyrant can tame Write, march, speak, teach, or sing Democracy dies when we don’t do a thing [Bridge] No hero is coming to save the day It’s you and me, we’re the only way So rise like the dawn with your conscience bright This is your country—stand up and fight [final Chorus] Do not look away, do not stay still The cost of freedom is a restless will Stand up, speak out, hold the line true The promise of this land depends on you [Bridge] No hero is coming to save the day It’s you and me, we’re the only way So rise like the dawn with your conscience bright This is your country—stand up and fight [Outro] From the ballot to the pulpit, the courthouse to the farm Let the people remember their voice still has charm Truth is the armor, and hope is the light— So stand in the daylight and do what is right
