DIFFERENT

Do you know what made you nervous? Is it something I’m concealing?
A mortal sin that’s born within or just a funny feeling?
If you’re stressed by my success, no doubt I must be double-dealing
If I’m not killing or I’m raping, it’s because I’m busy stealing
Different strokes for different folks, acceptance is a virtue
But everything’s suspicious if it doesn’t look like you
And everything’s fictitious that disagrees with you, poor you!

Don’t police it. Just release it. Share the wealth. You’ve got a plateful
The anxiety of fear can feel so good when it turns hateful
The best way to draw a crowd: Just cry out loud, “Fire!”
Then claim there’s only one who can bring back the ancient empire
Different strokes for different folks, acceptance is a virtue
But everything’s suspicious if it doesn’t look like you
And everything’s fictitious that disagrees with you, but who asked you?

Different, not even sure myself what I should call myself
Different, but in America I can decide myself
Different, don’t need your help, I can scare myself
Different, with love and kindness I will find my way

You say I have no future, there can be no bridge between us
To save the faithful of your kind, you’ll build a wall between us
A coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave man dies just one time
But a million more imagined deaths can help if you’ve got airtime
Different strokes for different folks, acceptance is a virtue
But everything’s suspicious if it doesn’t look like you
And everything’s fictitious that disagrees with you. Shame on you!

Opinions are like assholes, everybody here has got one.
But yours are always better ‘cause you’ve got a really Big One
Am I honest? Am I sincere? Am I good? It makes no difference
If the darkness wins within us and destroys all love between us
Different strokes for different folks, acceptance is a virtue
But everything’s suspicious if it doesn’t look like you
And everything’s fictitious that disagrees with you, but we’re not you!
Different—Are you at war with me? Or is it with yourself?
Different—You say we’re all to blame, everyone except yourself.
Different—For the evil in this world try looking at yourself.
Different—With love and kindness we will find our way.

Different—Is mocking everyone really necessary?
Different—Your enemies and friends are both imaginary
Different—You say you’ll help us make America great
Different—But all you’re teaching us is how to hate

A Song Can Tell A Story

When words leave off, music begins.

DIFFERENT