[Intro — handbell rings — three bright chimes] [Spoken Word — Town Crier over drum cadence] Hear ye, hear ye! [Verse 1] Neighbors protest headlines in the street, Ink on cardboard, patriotic feet. From porchlight whispers to the dawn’s first word, We pass the torch—let every voice be heard. [Pre-Chorus] Raise your voice for the common good, For the people, by the neighborhood. [Chorus A] Ring the bell, let the truth roll on— Read it, share it: S.W.Crier dot com. We show up, speak up, shoulder to shoulder, Democracy is a verb we carry over. [Chorus B] Ring the bell, the line’s been drawn— Meet your neighbors at S.W. Crier dot com. [Verse 2] Rooted in a promise older than these roads, Our pragmatic hearts shoulder the load. Stars and sidewalks, banners in the breeze, We build a movement with our everyday deeds. [Solo - Clarinet] [Pre-Chorus] Raise your voice for the common good, For the people, by the neighborhood. [Chorus A — repeat] Ring the bell, let the truth roll on— Read it, share it: S.W. Crier dot com. We show up, speak up, shoulder to shoulder, Democracy is a verb we carry over. [Chorus B — alt] Ring the bell, the line’s been drawn— See us, join us—S.W. Crier dot com. [Bridge — Call & Response] [Leader] Oi-yay, Oi-yay—neighbors near and far! [Crowd] We all unite—we raise the bar! [Leader] When bullies bluster and rumors rise— [Crowd] We check the facts and organize! [Leader] Read, speak, stand, and hear— [Crowd] We guard the truths we hold dear. [Outro — Town Crier] Hear ye, hear ye—Democracy is in session!
