War and slavery, exploitation The common basis of a western nation Official version, a falsified story The truth lies buried in a shroud of glory Oppression, ignorance, idiocy rule Education is more than what’s taught in school Forced in a mold, held down by threats Decisions are made over our heads But there is a way to refuse and resist We don’t need to be ruled with the iron fist We are the people, we are strong Let’s make up our minds and prove ’em wrong Black man, white man, yellow man Black man, white man, rip the system Black man, white man, yellow man Black man, white man, rip the system Religion and TV, you’re under the thumb Made to believe ’cause you’re already numb Smoke and mirrors, a bitter surprise The ideals that were crammed down your throat all turned out to be lies Black man, white man, yellow man Black man, white man, rip the system Black man, white man, yellow man Black man, white man, rip the system Influential people aren’t serving time For being involved in organised crime
Stashed away in beautiful mansions Guess who provides for their generous pensions But regular folks when they fail to deliver Get pent-up in jail and sent up the river Begging the question: what’s the deal? No peace without justice and that’s for real But there is a way to refuse and resist We don’t need to be ruled with the iron fist We are the people, we are strong Let’s make up our minds and prove ’em wrong Black man, white man, yellow man Black man, white man, rip the system Black man, white man, yellow man Black man, white man, rip the system Rip the system Rip the system Rip the system Rip the system Not a day goes by without terrible news Sky is falling, hell breaks loose It absolutely makes no sense To do nothing but hope for a turn of events Black man, white man, yellow man Black man, white man, rip the system Black man, white man, yellow man Black man, white man, rip the system Rip the system Rip the system Rip the system