Verse I At dawn's first light I mark anew the gilded tongues of State, Whilst placemen vend the Common Weal and bargain Freedom's fate. They wring the husbandman's hard gain, our sons to arms compel, Then mantle rank Ambition's lust with Virtue's holy spell. I cry aloud 'gainst every Judge and Magistrate astray, Whose Pride and sordid Covetousness make honest spirits sway. Pre-Chorus Yet brand me not Sedition's slave, nor Traitor to the Land; A republican Heart beats still beneath my steadfast hand. Chorus I do arraign the President! The Ministry likewise! Yet hold this sacred Union dear beneath Heaven's watchful eyes! Our Charter ne'er was writ that men should crouch in fearful dread, But keep strict watch on every Pow'r by Providence bestowed instead. From savage frontier unto the Sea where Freedom's banners fly, A constitutional Dissenter—that is true Fidelity. Verse II The Worthies took both Quill and Oath with solemn Fear of God, Not that one Man should mount a Throne where Freeman's feet have trod. They knew Ambition, Right or Left, doth wear a Tyrant's guise; Therefore they fenced our Liberties with Wisdom's strong device. Though I assemble, print, remonstrate, and every Wrong proclaim, My Love for this fair Commonwealth remains a constant Flame. Pre-Chorus Though Party Spirits cry "Mutineer!" for claiming ancient Right, The Charter answers in my stead and proves my Cause upright. Chorus I do arraign the President! The Ministry likewise! Yet love this bless'd Republic still beneath Almighty's skies! No Freeman owes a flattering Tongue unto the Seat of Pow'r; He stands as Sentinel by Right through every passing hour. From western Wilds to eastern Ports where Liberty hath sway, A Patriot Dissenter—I shall not yield this Day! Verse III No Mortal bears Commission sure to rule by Heaven alone; The People's Voice doth grant the Trust and may recall the Throne. When Rulers prize Dominion more than Justice, Truth, and Right, The Freeman's sacred Charge remains to keep the Beacon bright. With Parchment, Conscience, Voice, and Vote I'll answer Duty's call, For Liberty survives alone where Watchfulness doth bide withal. Bridge (Spoken) The Offices do pass away as Seasons wax and wane, Yet still the Standard greets the Wind through Triumph, Loss, and Pain. Not Party's Cry, nor Idol's Name, nor fleeting Mortal Fame, But Self-Government dearly bought through Sacrifice and Flame. No Crown by Birth, no Sceptre claim'd by Providence alone— A Commonwealth wherein the People's Sovereignty is known. Final Chorus I do arraign the President! The Ministry gainsay! Yet hail this glorious Constitution lighting Freedom's Way! No Article commands that Men bow low to earthly Might; It bids each Freeman guard the Flame of Heaven-given Right. Then ring the Bell through every Shire! Let every Hamlet see! This Commonwealth is ours by Right—and shall forever free! Outro The Constitution's sacred Flame... A steadfast Heart... Love thy Country... Lay bare Corruption's Shame... Stand, good Freeman... And speak.
