Hearsay

[Verse 1]
You know it really is a great tale
But I have to speak in code, or you’ll take this as hate mail
And on the chance my debate fails
Quick as I came, I'll be looking for the quickest escape trail

The safe trail's the quickest in sight, but
If I step on nobody's toes I must not be doing my job right
It's not about me thinking that I'm right
It's about a generation that lost motivation to fight

So who can tell me where the fire went?
Take me to your leader—would she even know where you start & I end?
She's talking funny & she's coming on strong;
Moses help me, how do I free a people with a song?

[Chorus]
Just let the band play
It's all hearsay
Just let the band play
It's all hearsay

[Verse 2]
You know it really is a great shame
That we choose to bow our heads to the smokescreens & fake names
And euphemistic campaigns
I mean I don't know about you, but, we came here to break chains

So there'll be no polite fiction tonight
'Cause if I walk where everyone goes I will not be happy in hindsight
It's not about me thinking that I'm right
We're just trying to build a nation & make them ready to fight

So while you think about this
Pay a little mind to the things that you're doing with your lips
No strings, just seeing if it fits
Prove to me world peace is more than a vague wish, go

[Chorus]
Just let the band play
It's all hearsay
Just let the band play
It's all hearsay

[Breakdown]
Feed the hoax with keyboard strokes & holidays
Cigarettes & Kanye West & cabernet
I'm puzzled by the pride I find upon your faces;
Activist with benefits, I call your name