File under "ADULT URBAN CONTEMPORARY"
Dillinger Four Lyrics

watch them laugh unashamed
Observe how those in power easily exert their control, without any sense of guilt or shame

when they tear your rights away
Those in power actively work to take away the rights of the people they are meant to serve

they're counting on your silence
The corrupt leaders rely on the silence of the people to continue with their oppressive actions

broken down by the weight
The people are unable to withstand the heavy burden of oppression and start to weaken

of the climate they create
The environment of fear and intimidation that those in power create only reinforces their hold over the people

psychological violence
The tactics used by those in power to intimidate and control are often more psychological than physical

and it's all for one
The corrupt leaders work only for themselves and their own interests

and none for us
The people who are meant to benefit from their leadership are left with nothing

just pretend you don't see it
The corrupt leaders rely on the people to turn a blind eye to their actions

try to blame only one
The people may try to put the blame on one individual or group, but the corruption is more widespread

but accept that we've become a system that feeds it
The corruption has become so deep-rooted in the system that it continues to perpetuate itself

we're taken a beating
The people are being subjected to constant oppression and suffering

the crooked arm of the law
Law enforcement and the justice system are being used to further oppressive agendas

authority over-reaching
Those in authority are exerting their control in ways that go beyond what is just and reasonable

dignity crushed in its claws
People's dignity and humanity are being crushed under the oppressive system

take a look around won't be long before you found
If you look beyond the surface, it won't be hard to find examples of oppression and intimidation

blatant intimidation
Oppressive actions are not done subtly, but rather openly and with force

at the hand of a few
A small group of individuals hold a disproportionate amount of power and control

decorated all in blue
Referring to police officers who may abuse their power

the suppress the accusations
Those in power work to suppress and silence any accusations of wrongdoing or abuse

keep your head bowed down
The people are being forced to submit and not speak out against the oppression

and don't look back
The people are not meant to question the authority and must accept what they are being told without hesitation

keep your hands in your pockets
People must not make any sudden moves or actions that could be interpreted as resistance or rebellion

people have died for less than that
Oppression and abuse have led to people losing their lives for even the smallest perceived infraction

made one wrong move
The people must be careful not to make any mistakes or they may face severe consequences

they got it in the back
Referring to violence or punishment inflicted on people who break the oppressive rules

the moment of outrage
When people finally start speaking out and protesting against the oppression

matter not in the least
The people's outrage is dismissed and ignored by those in power

a little slap upon the wrist
Any punishments or consequences for the oppressive actions are minimal and insignificant

welcome to the belly of the beast
The people have entered into an oppressive and corrupt system that is difficult to escape

little men with little minds
The corrupt leaders and enforcers are not intelligent or thoughtful, but rather small-minded and lacking empathy

little roles that they define
The oppressive system has created small, meaningless roles for those in power to play in order to maintain control

these things are connected
All of the oppressive actions and people involved in the system are tied together in a complex web of corruption

trust them with power
The people have placed their trust in those who are now using that power to oppress and harm them

without thinking twice
Those in power do not hesitate to use their authority to further their own interests

every man has got a price
Everyone can be bought or influenced by money or power, regardless of their morals or beliefs

do you feel protected
The people are not actually being protected, despite the claims of the oppressive leaders

the chance is too much too resist
The lure of power and control is too strong for some to resist, even if it means harming others

to hold another under your fist
To have power and control over others, often in a violent or oppressive way

i'd like to believe that
The artist acknowledges that what they hope for may not be true, but wants to believe it is still possible

each time anothers lost
For every person who has suffered or died as a result of the oppressive system, there is something gained in terms of awareness and resistance

something is gained
Speaking out against the oppression and resisting in any way possible is a small victory in the face of a larger, oppressive system

the blue becomes a
An allusion to the police, who wear blue uniforms

reddish stain
Referring to blood, suggesting that the police brutality and corruption have led to violence and death

and we are reminded
A call to action, urging people to remember the violence and oppression that they are facing and to resist it in any way possible

of who they really are
The oppressive leaders and enforcers are not who they pretend to be and the people must be aware of their true intentions