[Verse 1]
Well, the star-spangled flag’s been playin’ loose with a mag across continents, countries, and years
Since before it was, it's been shootin’ cause it must spread its “noble” ideals
So, you can clutch your pearls and pray to God, but I think it's bout time that ya know
That the violent imperial boomerang will always come home
[Chorus]
So cry for the innocents and condemn the violent ones
But turn that condemnation round on the nation that you love
So cry for the innocents and condemn the violent ones
But turn that condemnation round on the nation that you love
[Verse 2]
Ask the Native Americans, or Indonesians, Iraqis, or the Vietnamese
If the star-spangled banner ceased its violent endeavors to respect their humanity
It's not political violence if its covert alliances with Contras and the Mujahideen
No, you can fund the genocide of Palestinians with no accountability
[Chorus]
So cry for the innocents and condemn the violent ones
But turn that condemnation round on the nation that you love
So cry for the innocents and condemn the violent ones
But turn that condemnation round on the nation that you love
[Verse 3]
Well, it’s barbaric invasions, and double-tap bombings, and the stock price of weapons of war
And then you’ll act surprised when you come to find that the violence lives on your shores
It’s a culture of violence, commodified violence, and a potent propaganda machine
And all you need to find it is to look inside with some grace and humility
[Chorus]
So cry for the innocents and condemn the violent ones
But turn that condemnation round on the nation that you love
So cry for the innocents and condemn the violent ones
But turn that condemnation round on the nation that you love