Before You Die
-Bad Religion Lyrics

Porcelain and alabaster decaying ever faster
Things that appear strong and untarnished are slowly losing their integrity and quality at a rapid pace

Unaware of imminent disaster - open up your eyes
Many are ignorant of the potential disasters that could occur at any moment - it's time to wake up and recognize these dangers

As you ruminate the hopeless sands of time
While you contemplate the relentless passage of time, and the impossibility of stopping it

Did you wander out your days lost and resigned
Did you let the days pass you by, feeling hopeless and discouraged?

Or recreate the universals in your mind?
Or did you re-imagine the fundamental principles of life, and create your own way of understanding the world?

Everybody is a bastard
Many people behave in selfish or cruel ways

My world is like plaster
My world is fragile and prone to falling apart

Crumbling apart from pressure by the blaster, waiting for a sign
The pressure of outside forces is causing everything to break down, with no clear direction for how to make things better

And the momentary pleasures take their turn
Short-term enjoyment eventually fades away or gives way to more negative experiences

As a wistful boy runs out of things to learn
As we age, we may feel like we've exhausted all the opportunities to grow and expand our knowledge

The episodes of yore are never to return
The things that have passed - both good and bad - are gone forever and will never be repeated

Scare up some hope - you're gonna need it just to cope
Find any source of hope possible, because you will need it to deal with the challenges ahead

You are the decision, numbers don't lie
Ultimately, you are the one who makes choices and creates your own path in life

When you bite the dust, was it for purpose or for trust?
When you die, was it because you fulfilled some greater purpose, or did you die hoping for something else?

You'll never relive it; think before you die
You only get one life - make sure you take the time to reflect on your choices and live it to the fullest

Yeah, think, think before you die
This is worth repeating - really take the time to think about your actions and choices in life

Deficit and deprivation in the wake of desperation
Lack of resources and basic needs creates an environment of hopelessness and despair

Rewrite the morals, rectify the nation
It's time to reconsider our ethical principles and find ways to rebuild a better society

Now may be your time
This is the time to act - don't wait for someone else to take the lead

Do you wonder how your life has been defined?
Have you taken the time to reflect on how your choices and actions have shaped your life?

You know eternity can't ever change your mind
Once you're gone, there's no going back - make sure you're making choices that you can stand behind for all time