ALL THAT WAY FOR THIS

what we wanted was chain lightning
what we wanted was eight miles high
what we wanted was free fall and our turn to fly

what we wanted was more fireworks
everlasting 4th of July
what we wanted was more stars in a bluer sky

all we wanted was something worth it
worth the labour, worth the wait
then they take you up to the mountain
you see too late

in the middle of a good time
truth gave me her icy kiss
look around, you must be joking
all that way, all that way for this

what we wanted was consolation
the band of strangers, help for pain
what we wanted was to be sure 
no friends were lost in vain

what we wanted was aggravation
a good cause and a bigger row
what we wanted was the whole plantation
now now now

what we wanted was rhyme and reason
what we wanted was another way
what we get is a tinpot heaven, 
and we're too drunk to pray

what we get is the old machinery
grinding on in the same old way
what we need is the sweet republic
  -  roll on Independence Day

in the middle of a good time
truth gave me her icy kiss
look around, you must be joking
all that way, all that for this

(for the spirit of Thomas Paine)