[Intro] [Roar of a stadium crowd] [Heavy, rhythmic drum beat starts] [Fanfare-like synth melody] [Verse 1] Curtain up for the next sensation A new scandal for a distracted nation Watch the ball, watch the dress on the floor Forget for a moment what’s outside your door The arena is full, the lights are so bright They’re selling us glitter to block out the night Who’s dating who? Who’s out of the race? The world is on fire, but we’re staring at space [Chorus] Just like the old plan: Bread and circuses! We have no dreams, just some shallow purposes In the rankings, on the screen, in the feed Distraction is the only thing we think we need Feed the masses with the glitz and the gold While the power is taken, and the future is sold [Verse 2] A little bit of gossip for the common mind To keep the sparks of rebellion confined Argue over sports, or a movie star’s life While they sharpen the edge of the political knife They keep you busy, they keep you amused So you don't even notice how much you’re being used While the taxes go up and the liberties fly We’re watching the screen with a glazed-over eye [Chorus] Just like the old plan: Bread and circuses! We have no dreams, just some shallow purposes In the rankings, on the screen, in the feed Distraction is the only thing we think we need Feed the masses with the glitz and the gold While the power is taken, and the future is sold [Instrumental Break] [Epic guitar solo with stadium reverb, heavy percussion, "Hey! Hey! Hey!" chanting] [Verse 3] Today’s gladiators wear sneakers and suits And the noise from the speakers has poisoned the roots But when the show ends and the lights all go dim You’re left in the cold on a desperate whim The bread’s getting pricey, the game’s reaching its end But we’re waiting for the next trend to descend Turn it all off, look away from the play Find the truth in the dirt they’ve hidden away [Bridge] [Music strips back to just a stomping beat] Are you entertained? (Yes!) Are you distracted? (Yes!) Have you forgotten? (Yes!) Are you controlled? [Instrumental Solo] [Power-rock finale, blending orchestra and heavy guitars] [Outro] [Crowd noise fades into a hollow echo] The show must go on. Faster and faster. Just a game. [End]
