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