Damned If You Don't

Sun up, to sundown, he makes his way across this town
Cop car seat, cut a hole in his back, he's prison bound
His three boys, their little sister
So hard to feed, when you're locked up mister
He swung low, swung hard, didn't see the police car
They waited 'til he ran, because you know they always get their man
When he looks different, or born poor, doesn't matter if they're not sure
There's nothing you can do, when those in power, decide what's true

You're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't
Bend over, and take it like a man
You're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't
Feed your family, the best way you can
Life is a game, some are born to lose
While others, can do what they choose
You're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't
Damned if you don't

I could tell you, a million stories, about the ones that got left behind
Wave a flag, sing of past glories, satisfy bigots and narrow minds
Some people here, put Church, State and profit, before those in need
Who don't believe, in the same old Bronze Age stories, talking snakes or wanton greed

You're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't
Bend over, and take it like a man
You're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't
Feed your family, the best way you can
Life is a game, some are born to lose
While others, can do what they choose
You're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't
Damned if you don't

You're damned

It's hard to reason when all you got are stones
And they come at you with tanks and guns
Hard to reason when you live in the gutter
And those you follow swim in gold like water, gold like water

Like a lamb to the slaughter
You're a lamb to the slaughter

You're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't

You're damned