Rise Against Lyrics
"Disparity By Design"

All the way at the bottom of the barrels we cry out
So ashamed of our tears that we blame only ourselves
That's when they win

They keep us convinced to lift up our chins
These playing fields are level; we all have a chance

With that they dismiss, the fast lanes they rode
Which access depends on who you know

Or where you came from
Whose daughter are you?
Whose fortunate son?

We're told to stick out or thumbs
They feast from the linens
While we settle for crumbs

Is this an overreaching arm
Or is this compassion?
Is this a handout undeserved
Or a just reparation?
(A just reparation)

All the way from the towers, high above class ceiling toombs
Tell themselves that they've earned this
Like working hard or playing by the rules

But this is only part true
A dangerous trick, played on me and you
And so like a practical joke, we put on these bootstraps
So hard that they broke

Is this an overreaching arm
Or is this compassion?
Is this a handout undeserved
Or a just reparation?

And like a single domino
That falls while the rest stay vertical
Will fear these empty fairy tales
Or will you believe them?

And if fear's a game, you better pray
That this sleeping giant never wakes

If we just take a step back
A bigger picture we might view

Perhaps the man in the gutter
Is not so different from you

Come in, all of the cold
Forget all that you know

Because there's always been room
By the fire for you, oh
Come in, all of the cold

Or will you believe them?

Is this an overreaching arm
Or is this compassion?
Is this a handout undeserved
Or a just reparation?

And like a single domino
That falls while the rest stay vertical
Will fear these empty fairy tales
And I'm through believing