Constitutional Dissident (In the Tongue of 1776)

Verse I
At break of day I mark again the heralds' gilded tale,
Whilst men of office barter still the Commonwealth for sale.
They levy tribute on my toil, compel my kin to field,
Then cloak ambition's hungry grasp with Virtue for a shield.
I censure every magistrate who wanders from the Law,
Whose avarice and vain deceit fill honest men with awe.
Pre-Chorus
Yet charge me not with treason's stain, nor forge a false decree;
A republican spirit beats full constant yet in me.
Chorus
I do condemn the President, the Ministry beside!
Yet love this sacred Union still with unabated pride!
Our Constitution was not framed for slavish, mute consent,
But jealous watch o'er every power by Heaven's providence lent.
From frontier wild to sounding sea, wherever freemen be,
A constitutional dissident—that is true loyalty.
Verse II
The Framers took both quill and oath with wisdom's steady hand,
Not to enthrone a mortal prince above this favored land.
They knew ambition, left or right, assumes a tyrant's face;
Thus barriers strong were wisely raised to guard our freedom's place.
Though I assemble, speak, protest, and reckon every wrong,
My reverence for this noble realm abideth ever strong.
Pre-Chorus
Though faction brands me mutineer for claiming ancient rights,
I answer with the Charter's voice that still our cause requites.
Chorus
I do condemn the President, the Ministry beside!
Yet love this blessed Republic with unwavering pride!
The Constitution binds no man to flattering acclaim;
It bids each citizen stand watch lest power kindle flame.
From western woods to eastern ports where liberty holds sway,
A patriotic nonconformist—I shall not yield the day!
Verse III
No man is born with Heaven's leave to wear perpetual crown;
The people grant authority, the people cast it down.
When rulers prize dominion more than justice, truth, and right,
The freeman's solemn charge remains to keep the beacon bright.
With parchment, conscience, voice, and vote I'll stand where duty calls,
For Liberty is best preserved when watchfulness ne'er falls.
Bridge (Spoken)
The office passeth hand to hand as seasons onward flee,
Yet still the Standard waves above through trial faithfully.
Not faction's cry, nor idol's name, nor passing party's breath,
But self-governance purchased dear by sacrifice and death.
No diadem, no ancient throne by Providence alone—
A Commonwealth wherein the people's sovereign will is known.
Final Chorus
I do condemn the President! The Ministry gainsay!
Yet hail this constitutional work that lights our onward way!
No Article commands that we bow low to earthly might;
It summons every citizen to guard fair Freedom's light.
Then sound the bell through every shire, let every village see:
This Commonwealth belongs to us—and shall forever free!
Outro
Constitution's fire...
A steadfast heart...
Love thy Country...
Expose corruption's art...
Stand, good Patriot...
And speak.

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Verse I At break of day I mark again the heralds' gilded tale, Whilst men of office barter still the Commonwealth for sale. They levy tribute on my toil, compel my kin to field, Then cloak ambition's hungry grasp with Virtue for a shield. I censure every magistrate who wanders from the Law, Whose avarice and vain deceit fill honest men with awe. Pre-Chorus Yet charge me not with treason's stain, nor forge a false decree; A republican spirit beats full constant yet in me. Chorus I do condemn the President, the Ministry beside! Yet love this sacred Union still with unabated pride! Our Constitution was not framed for slavish, mute consent, But jealous watch o'er every power by Heaven's providence lent. From frontier wild to sounding sea, wherever freemen be, A constitutional dissident—that is true loyalty. Verse II The Framers took both quill and oath with wisdom's steady hand, Not to enthrone a mortal prince above this favored land. They knew ambition, left or right, assumes a tyrant's face; Thus barriers strong were wisely raised to guard our freedom's place. Though I assemble, speak, protest, and reckon every wrong, My reverence for this noble realm abideth ever strong. Pre-Chorus Though faction brands me mutineer for claiming ancient rights, I answer with the Charter's voice that still our cause requites. Chorus I do condemn the President, the Ministry beside! Yet love this blessed Republic with unwavering pride! The Constitution binds no man to flattering acclaim; It bids each citizen stand watch lest power kindle flame. From western woods to eastern ports where liberty holds sway, A patriotic nonconformist—I shall not yield the day! Verse III No man is born with Heaven's leave to wear perpetual crown; The people grant authority, the people cast it down. When rulers prize dominion more than justice, truth, and right, The freeman's solemn charge remains to keep the beacon bright. With parchment, conscience, voice, and vote I'll stand where duty calls, For Liberty is best preserved when watchfulness ne'er falls. Bridge (Spoken) The office passeth hand to hand as seasons onward flee, Yet still the Standard waves above through trial faithfully. Not faction's cry, nor idol's name, nor passing party's breath, But self-governance purchased dear by sacrifice and death. No diadem, no ancient throne by Providence alone— A Commonwealth wherein the people's sovereign will is known. Final Chorus I do condemn the President! The Ministry gainsay! Yet hail this constitutional work that lights our onward way! No Article commands that we bow low to earthly might; It summons every citizen to guard fair Freedom's light. Then sound the bell through every shire, let every village see: This Commonwealth belongs to us—and shall forever free! Outro Constitution's fire... A steadfast heart... Love thy Country... Expose corruption's art... Stand, good Patriot... And speak.

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