Pushing Back

I can pay my taxes and still be broke

I can vote for leaders and still lose hope
I can read the news and know it's a game
I can call it out but they'll censor my name
I can cross the street when they flash red lights

I can speak my mind if I word it just right
I can live my life like I'm free as a bird
But the cage door clicks every time I'm heard
They say it's protection, but who holds the key

When the locks all look the same to me
I see them tighten the screws
While they smile through the static on the evening news
They're selling freedom like a souvenir

But the price goes up every passing year
The tighter they pull, the louder it cracks
And they wonder why we're pushing back
I can see the cameras on every block

I can watch my rights get picked like locks
I can watch them pass bills behind closed doors
I can hear the wolves when they talk about wars
I can build a life but they'll tax my breath

They'll sell me dead like it's all I have left
They can make me a villain with one wrong post
Turn my voice to a ghost if I get too close
They tell us it's progress, just stay in line

But power corrupts over time
I see them tighten the screws
While they smile through the static on the evening news
They're selling freedom like a souvenir

But the price goes up every passing year
The tighter they pull, the louder it cracks
And they wonder why we're pushing back