Story Behind The Song

My observations of young people, and a heart-breaking examination of modern American culture, lead me to believe we are in a crisis we barely recognize. This song is an effort to jolt its listeners out of denial, to consider what has happened, and to ponder what can be done about it.

Song Description

Many of our children have been raised without values, without a moral superstructure, with no where and no one to turn to other than themselves as they seek meaning in life. The consequences, both for them and for us, will be disastrous.

Lyrics

They've been trained well, they've been taught how to hit and how to hurt;
They've watched a thousand deaths, a thousand punches on the screen;
They've been told that health is sickness, purity is dirt;
o go and worship criminals who glorify the mean.

So look, they walk in lock-step, they're marching out in rank;
Fingers twitching, searching, seeking, blood is in their eyes.
I don't see the one they're they looking for... I've got myself to thank.
When they find the perpetrator, will his name be a surprise?

You face the Executioner, and he's got a gun;
You face the Executioner, and he's your son!    
You face the Executioner, she's leading you off to the slaughter;
You face the Executioner, and she's your daughter!

Gardens turn to fields of weeds when no one cultivates;
Cars wrench wildly off the road when no one's at the wheel;
Days add up to months and years, 'cause time just never waits;
And hearts not held in warm, soft hands just don't know how to feel!

Houses never just appear when no one's there to build;
Games don't get played when no one goes past reading the instructions;
When crying needs remain unmet, their voice will soon be stilled,
Replaced by moans of vengeance, calling for a destruction.

What's not controlled will soon become a thing out of control;
And what's switched on with no off-switch is bound to keep on going;
And what's out of control will soon be in complete control;
And debts unpaid never meant that anyone stopped owing.