Paine and Pierce and Robespierre, Juarez and Danton, Luther, King and Lumumba dead but far from gone Lenin, Cleaver, Jesus too, outlaws in their nations, Revolutionaries all, dreamed of liberation
God is up in heaven his agents here on earth The church has said that this man rules, he's best because of birth. But what's that noise down in the street, who dares to shout and sing? With all his courtiers at his side, who dares to touch the king?
Old man get some soldiers, keep them close at hand There's a fire in the country, there's a flame come to the land Seven thousand loyal troops, in ranks they stretch so far With seven thousand well armed men, no one can touch the czar.
Louis watch the prisons, send the goons around Is that Paris burning, is the Bastille falling down? And where are all the mercenaries - paid for by the king? Have they joined the mob you say, doesn't money mean anything?
Old men get some soldiers, keep them close at hand, The seeds that were sown yesterday now flower in the land And guard yourself most carefully with military might. For plants that cannot bloom by day must flower in the night