Global Tattoo

Don't tell me that you'll rock the boat
Or when the boat needs rockin', no, it won't float
Plane needs haulin' or it won't fly
When the eagle's wings are broken or it falls from the sky
Don't tell me not to criticize it
Don't tell me that my lips are loose
Don't tell me I don't love this place
This place that gave me Lenny Bruce

When you're walkin' down the street like Malcolm X
Or when you eat a naked lunch and say "What comes next?"
A sweet black angel sayin' "Somethin' ain't right"
I could walk these streets into the night
I could walk these streets named for Joey Ramone
I can think back on that "Gabba Gabba Hey"
Don't tell me brother what I love
Like Buddy Holly said, baby, that'll be the day

I wanna know is freedom flying?
Or has it passed through you and me?
Fire into the flame, beyond the sea

Love America, does it love me?
Does it love its people out on the street?
Losing their homes desperately
Workin' to make ends meet
And the rich get richer and the poor so poor
And you can't get sick cause you can't afford
No healthcare on these mighty shores
Look at the old, what's in store
No money, no education
Have a mill degree in a first-class nation
Doesn't need the knowledge is a situation
Another cycle, another generation
On the TV, we're screamin' at each other
Like kids in a schoolyard, it's embarrassing brother
Am I naive to say we gotta work together?
Like a wave of a flag it's gone forever

I wanna know is freedom flying?
Or has it passed through you and me?
Fire into the flame, beyond the sea

Last verse was supposed to be funny
Was it funny, was it right on the money?
Levity helps me through the pain
But it's a-bulgin' at the seams and it's startin' to strain
And I pledge allegiance to those who tried
To find the truth when the country lied
Create beauty, leave hell behind
I guess Charles Mingus comes to mind
And don't wave that flag in my face
When you're making this place a disgrace
Your global view needs rearranging
Cause the times my friends they are a-changing

I wanna know is freedom flying?
Or has it passed through you, you and me?
Fire into the flame, beyond the sea
I wanna know is freedom flying?
Or has it passed through you and me?
Fire into the flame, beyond the sea