Disparity By Design

Awake at the bottomOf the barrels we cry outSo ashamed of our tears thatWe blame only ourselvesThat's when they winThey keep us convincedTo lift up our chinsThese playing fields are levelWe all have a chanceWith that they dismissThe fast lanes they rowWhat it takes, it depends on who you knowOr where you came fromWhose daughter are you?Whose fortunate son?Will it soTo stick up our bonesAnd piece from the lettersHow we settled the crimesIs this an over-reaching armOr is this compassion?Is this a handout undeservedOr a just reparation?(a just reparation)Away from the towersHigh above the ceiling tombsTell themselvesThat they've earned thisLike working hardOr playing by the rulesBut this is only part trueA dangerous trickPlayed on me and youAnd so like a practical jokeWe put on these bootstrapsSo high that they brokeIs this an over-reaching armOr is this compassion?Is this a handout undeservedOr a just reparation?And like a single dominoThat falls while the rest stay verticalWill you fear these empty fairytalesOr will you believe them?And if fear's a gameYou better prayThat this sleeping giant never wakesIf we just take a step backA bigger picture we might viewPerhaps the man in the gutterIs not so different from youCome in, out of the coldForget all that you knowBecause there's always been roomBy the fire for you, ohCome in, out of the coldWill you believe them?Is this an over-reaching armOr is this compassion?Is this a handout undeservedOr a just reparation?And like a single dominoThat falls while the rest stay verticalWill you fear these empty fairytalesAnd I'm through believing