Intro – Spoken, filtered like radio mic] This is a public service announcement… From the people. --- [Call – Leader] They sent a letter, stamped and sealed Section forty-one revealed Said “No personal joy on display” Not today… not today [Response – Choir] TAKE THE WREATH DOWN! (Not today!) TAKE THE WREATH DOWN! (Not today!) --- [Call – Leader] Common space, common rules Common sense, uncommon cruelty Health and safety, they all say But where’s the harm in holiday? [Response – Choir] TAKE THE WREATH DOWN! (Who decides?) TAKE THE WREATH DOWN! (Who decides?) --- [Chant Break – Rhythmic, percussive] Two o’clock! Pay the fee! Twenty-five For a Christmas tree! --- [Call – Leader] Door number wrong, ribbon bright They called it danger in silent night No warning given, hauled away Joy in storage till you pay [Response – Choir] TAKE THE WREATH DOWN! (Clamp the cheer!) TAKE THE WREATH DOWN! (Not this year!) --- [Bridge – Crowd Call & Response] Leader: Is joy a hazard? Choir: NO! Leader: Is hope illegal? Choir: NO! Leader: Is Christmas contraband? Choir: HELL NO! --- [Final Chorus – Big, Radio Chant] TAKE THE WREATH DOWN! (They say comply) TAKE THE WREATH DOWN! (We say why?) If love’s a breach and faith’s obscene Ho ho ho… Merry Christmas from the machine. --- [Outro – Spoken, echoing] Hundreds of letters. One cold voice. This is what happens When rules replace choice. (Stomps fade. Organ hum holds.)
