(Verse 1) They want me to bow, but my spine won’t bend Every lie they throw meets a silent defend They shout commands, but I don’t hear rule For a life lived in fear is a life for a fool (Chorus) I’d rather die standing than live on my knees Let me fall proud, I won’t beg or appease No chain holds me down, no master, no bind I’d rather die free than love with a blind mind (Verse 2) They call it peace, but it reeks of control A mask of order, a soul’s black hole They offer me silence, with comfort and gain But I drink the truth, even bitter with pain (Chorus) I’d rather die standing than live on my knees Let me break bold, I won’t crawl to please No flag above me, no dogma inside I choose the fire, if that’s where truth hides (Bridge) I’m no hero, no martyr’s name Just someone who won’t play their shameful game No gesture of weakness, no soft moral lie I live for what’s right — not what money can buy (Final Chorus – with force) I’d rather die standing than live on my knees Let me go proud, with my soul at ease At the end of the day, when my light fades away I want to know I was true — come what may
