Me and J were still young men
When we drank from the clear water wells
Out in the open among the monuments
Where Manitou still dwells
I guess we felt like part of it
Yet I guess we felt estranged
I guess that was the Great Escape
We planned in our cells.
Sometimes I still feel like
The gap was just too wide
Here in these dimming lights
I’m sure that God has died
And I know that I love you
But I know that’s not enough
I know now there’s no Great Escape
But who’s to tell who lied.
We’ve seen these people
And how they learn their trade
How they make decisions about who to join
And how the game is played.
We’ve seen the origins
Of how to begin to justify
Ruling by sheer loudness
While the options on the market multiply.
I never wanted to be the one
Who’s drinking at the bar
Flashing my disappointed
Like a distant fading star
No, I’ll take you across the storm of tides
I’ll love you against the wind
There’s time to get the story told
And it won’t be that far.
We’ve seen these people
And how they learn their trade
How they make decisions about who to join
And how the game is played.
We’ve seen the origins
Of how to begin to justify
Ruling by sheer loudness
While the options on the market multiply.
Me and J were once young men
But we’re still digging those clear water wells
We’re not gambling with a great fortune
We still don’t care what sells
And we still feel like part of it
Yet I guess we’re still estranged
But darling get ready to occupy
Those fake Liberty Bells.