Protest Song
The Astronauts Lyrics

I live my own life - do what I want - say what I mean
I have the freedom to live my life the way I want and express my opinions without fear of being judged.

And you've got your own hope - strange ambition - different dreams
You also have your own desires and aspirations that may be unique and unusual.

So who are you to say I'm wrong?
What gives you the authority to criticize or judge me?

And who am I to say I'm right?
Similarly, I don't have the right to impose my views on you.

Though we live in separate ways, why do we argue, always fight?
Despite our differences, why do we constantly argue and fight with each other?

A man who disagreed with a regime was termed a rat.
A person who expressed dissent towards an oppressive government was labeled as a traitor.

One night,
In one instance,

some men came round - "we've read your books, we'd like a chat"
A group of people visited him and claimed to engage in a conversation regarding his published works.

And then they kicked him round the cell
However, they physically assaulted him while in custody

With cigarettes they burnt his face
Additionally, they burned his face with cigarettes causing physical harm.

Said "Remember, we're the law.
They reminded him that they are the ones enforcing the laws.

Do you love your family, your dwelling place?"
They threatened him by asking if he loves and cares about his loved ones and his home.

And it seems that fools control the world, the nuclear button, the poison pen.
It appears as if the world is ruled by foolish people who have control over devastating weapons and propagandistic media.

Most of us are in the dark, but then we're only little men.
A majority of us are unaware of the true nature of power dynamics, but we have limited influence.

But little men have mouths to feed
Even though, we have smaller influence, we still need sustenance and resources.

And little men don't want to kill
Moreover, normal people don't have an urge to kill.

So little men are never told
Consequently, ordinary people are kept ignorant and uninformed.

unless, of course, the earth stands still.
The only possibility for change is when there is a complete halt in normalcy and chaos ensues.

We have got a chant, ain't got a chorus, ain't even got a name
We have a simple melody without a refrain or a unique identity.

But it helps us through the night to know we don't share the blame
Nevertheless, it consoles and comforts us to acknowledge that we are not at fault.

It's just another protest song ("Oh what a pretty protest song")
This track is just another piece of music that protests and condemns injustices.

With words to try and make you think
The lyrics are crafted to induce critical thinking.

("I think I'll go and have a drink")
However, sometimes we may not be able to handle or cope with the harsh reality and thus resort to numbing our senses through alcohol.

But come the dawn resume your search for your ultimate power
But when the sun rises, resume your pursuit for self-empowerment and liberation.

Your missing link.
Find the missing piece in your journey towards enlightenment and self-discovery.