The Fall of Rome

I feel profound dissatisfaction with this state of affairs
But you won't take no action
While big brother's still there
Lookin over your shoulder
Whispering "You shouldn't care
Fall in line or you won't get very far"

That's a ruse! It's a lie, an elaborate joke
You know the whole damn system's made of mirrors and smoke
Meanwhile the master of the ceremonies laughs 'til he chokes
On the butt of his Chinese cigar

Tides rise and roses bow
We sing in solemn mourning
Let your striving cease
I'll say my piece
to mark the fall of Rome

The fall of man will coincide with the rise of machine
While the dealer's getting high off his American Dream
He will sample his supply until he bursts at the seams
Says "Go ahead, you can win, pick a card."

With every widget that we buy we raise a mountain of trash
You can't complain about the brakes until your foot's off the gas
I see you drivin every road in search of something that lasts
But here's a hint, you are breaking your car

Tides rise and roses bow
We sing in solemn mourning
Let your striving cease
I'll say my piece
to mark the fall of Rome

O what rough beast was seen
Slouching in from Bethlehem Steel?
From its industrial womb it knew the art of the deal
It's got connections to the bureaucrats
Who don't care what it steals
Seas can rise if at 5 they go home

Passion to ashes, and iron to rust
A decline becomes a new beginning just as it must
But how many turns of the wheel until the wheel turns to dust
And there's no one left speaking of Rome?