Scared of Thoreau

Well they roll in blacked-out vans Like it’s Fallujah town Night-vision goggles Just to shut Main Street down Kevlar vests creakin’ Under all that fear Shakin’ in their boots When a mom gets near Hands on weapons Deploy the shields A lady brought flowers This situation’s real Twelve deep, fully masked Hearts beatin’ fast ‘Cause nothin’ scares A tough guy Like grandmas amassed They’re geared up like extras From a low-budget play But froze when a pastor Showed up to pray Hands on the taser, radio call Command, we got clergy… Requestin’ a wall Sound the alarm Lock it down There’s a wine mom army Marchin’ through town Yoga pants, minivans Signs made of yarn Lord help us all — She brought baked goods And charm Students chantin’ Homework-level rhymes No weapons present Just spare free time Yet helmets on tight Visors down low Terrified someone Might quote Thoreau They say for safety To enforce the law But jump at the sight Of a kid with a ball Can’t show their faces, Can’t say their names Sure look brave Surroundin’ people With brains One’s outta breath Climbin’ courthouse stairs Another needs backup For a pastor in prayer Camouflage pants Suburban street Ambushed by singing Forced to retreat Oh, brave brave men In tactical black Formin’ a phalanx ‘Gainst a choir attack If fear was fuel They’d never stall Run on fumes when folks Won’t fight at all So pick that banjo Fast and true Sing of the armored With nothin’ to do ‘Cause when power’s scared Of a peaceful plea It ain’t about safety It’s insecurity.