"Same Old Train"

[Verse 1 – Soft, smoky, over sparse blues riff and light skank rhythm] Smoke on the corner, same as it’s always been, Politicians smilin’ with their needles in the skin. They trade in truth for a flag, a name, a war they never fought, While the poor kids bleed in the gutter—I swear, I’ve heard it all before. New suits, same snakes, just polished up and bold, Screamin’ 'bout love while their hands grip the gold. They feed us soundbites, lies in HD, While the world burns slow—and no one's really free. [Chorus – Explosive, raw, Janis-style wail, harmonica wail under] Ohhhh, it’s the same damn train rollin’ down the line! Same fascist whispers in a brand-new time! I scream for change but the wheels still groan— The more it changes, baby... it’s all just the same old tone! (Same old tone!) Same old hate in a different shade— Same graves dug in the light they made! Ohhhh—ain’t that the way it goes? Progress on the surface... rot in the soul! [Verse 2 – Gritty, rhythmic, reggae pulse underneath, vocals tense and weary] They call it freedom, call it peace, slap a hashtag on the pain, But the orphans ain't eatin’ and the border's still a stain. They preach "unity" while the prison towers rise, And the rich man's gospel has a bullet in its eyes. School books rewritten like the past can be erased, While the ghosts of the lynched still swing from the state. They sold us dreams in a plastic bag, While the truth drowns out in a TikTok ad. [Chorus – Full intensity, backing vocals echo, guitar howls] Ohhhh, it’s the same damn train rollin’ down the line! Same fascist whispers in a brand-new time! I scream for change but the wheels still groan— The more it changes, baby... it’s all just the same old tone! (Same old tone!) Same old hate in a different shade— Same graves dug in the light they made! Ohhhh—ain’t that the way it goes? Progress on the surface... rot in the soul! [Bridge – Slower, lo-fi crackle, spoken-sung, bluesy guitar slide] I saw it in '68… I see it now—faces change, same machine. They dress the monster in a suit and tie, Call it order, call it right. But I know the scent of blood beneath the cologne... And the devil’s got a PR campaign on. [Final Chorus – Devastating, exhausted, then erupting into defiance] Ohhhh, it’s the same damn train—I can’t stop the sound! They wave the torch, but it’s upside down! I gave my voice, I gave my years— But the clock keeps turnin’ through endless fears! (Same old fears!) Same old lies in a neon glow— Same war we lost sixty years ago! Ohhhh—I’m tired, darlin’, tired to the bone... But the train keeps rollin’— And I’m still screamin’— STILL SCREAMIN’ ALONE!