Phil Ochs - Ringing Of Revolution Lyrics
Pre>g c g cIn a building of gold, with riches untold,G c g - cLived the families on which the country was founded.G c g cAnd the merchants of style, with their red velvet smiles,G em dWere there, for they also were hounded.G c g cAnd the soft middle class crowded in to the last,G em bmFor the building was fully surrounded.G c g d7 gAnd the noise outside was the ringing of revolution.Sadly they stared and sank in their chairsAnd searched for a comforting notion.And the rich silver walls looked ready to fallAs they shook in doubtful devotion.The ice cubes would clink as they freshened their drinks,Wet their minds in bitter emotion.And they talked about the ringing of revolution.We were hardly aware of the hardships they beared,For our time was taken with treasure.Oh, life was a game, and work was a shame,And pain was prevented by pleasure.The world, cold and grey, was so far awayIn the distance only money could measure.But their thoughts were broken by the ringing of revolution.The clouds filled the room in darkening doomAs the crooked smoke rings were rising.How long will it take, how can we escapeSomeone asks, but no ones advising.And the quivering floor responds to the roar,In a shake no longer surprising.As closer and closer comes the ringing of revolution.Softly they moan, please leave us aloneAs back and forth they are pacing.And they cover their ears and try not to hearWith pillows of silk theyre embracing.And the crackling crowd is laughing out loud,Peeking in at the target theyre chasing.Now trembling inside the ringing of revolution.With compromise sway we give in half wayWhen we saw that rebellion was growing.Now everythings lost as they kneel by the crossWhere the blood of christ is still flowing.To late for their sorrow theyve reached their tomorrowAnd reaped the seed they were sowing.Now harvested by the ringing of revolution.In tattered tuxedos they faced the new heroesAnd crawled about in confusion.And they sheepishly grinned for their memoroes were dimOf the decades of dark execution.Hollow hands were raised; they stood there amazedIn the shattering of their illusions.As the windows were smashed by the ringing of revolution.Down on our knees were begging you please,Were sorry for the way you were driven.Theres no need to taunt just take what you want,And well make amends, if were living.But away from the grounds the flames told the townThat only the dead are forgiven.As they crumbled inside the ringing of revolution./pre>