Once the religious, the hunted, the weary chasing the promise of freedom and hope

Came to this country to build a new vision far from the reaches of kingdom and pope

Like good Christians, some would burn the witches, later some got slaves to gather riches

But still from near and far to seek America, they came by the thousands to court the wild

But she patiently smiled and bore a child to be their spirit and guiding light

And once the ties with the crown had been broken, westward in saddle they went

And ’till the railroad linked ocean to ocean many the lives which had come to an end

While we bullied, stole and bought a homeland we began the slaughter of the red man

But still from near and far to seek America they came by the thousands to court the wild

But she just patiently smiled and bore a child to be their spirit and guiding light

The blue and gray they stomped it-they kicked it just like a dog

And when the war over they stuffed it just like a hog

And though the past has it’s share of injustice, kind was the spirit in many a way

But it’s protectors and friends have been sleeping, now it’s a monster and will not obey

The spirit was freedom and justice and it’s keepers seemed generous and kind

It’s leaders were supposed to serve the country, but now won’t pay it no mind

‘Cause the people grew fat and got lazy-now their voice is a meaningless joke

They babble about law and order, but it’s just an echo of what they’ve been told

Yeah, there’s a monster on the loose. It’s got our heads into a noose. And it just sits there watchin’

The cities have turned into jungles and corruption is stranglin’ the land

The police force is watching the people and the people just can’t understand

We don’t know how to mind our own business ’cause the whole world has got to be just like us

Now we’re fighting a war over there; no matter who’s the winner we can’t pay the cost

‘Cause there’s a monster on the loose. It’s got our heads into a noose. And it just sits there watchin’

America, where are you now? Don’t you care about your sons and daughters?

Don’t you know we need you now? We can’t fight alone against the monster.

(Repeat refrain 3x)

Steppenwolf, 1969, Monster/ Suicide/ America song lyrics

For those unfamiliar with this song or band, this was one of a plethora of Vietnam war protest songs which also attempted to shine a light on the sad state of political affairs at the time. Draw your own conclusions about our politics, leaders, president, wars, policies and everything-else America. The only political statement I make is that these lyrics seem to fit our time. And, it would be wise for us to “look in a mirror” and to pray because we can’t fight alone against a monster.

Michael