You can walk, or you can run You don't have to be someone I went on a summer cruise Upon an ocean born to lose My brother said that he was dead I saw his face and shook my head Can you see where we can't be We're losing our blood in the sea 'Cause it's the state of the nation That's holding our salvation Yes, it's the state of the nation That's holding our salvation Oh, the state of the nation Is causing deprivation Oh, the state of the nation Is causing deprivation From my home I traveled far I drove in my stolen car When it broke down, I kissed the ground 'Cause I don't kiss when you're around I don't find that I have been The portrait of an only son If that's the case, then who could tell Where my story had begun? Cause it's the state of the nation That's holding our salvation Yes, it's the state of the nation That's holding our salvation Yes, the state of the nation That's causing deprivation Oh, the state of the nation That's causing deprivation Even now, I'm all alone Behind a wall that's made of stone I think about where we have been And all the sights that could be seen I know it all could be worthwhile If only I could force a smile Now we turn our backs to the sea The shame of a nation we'll never be Cause it's the state of the nation That's holding our salvation Yes, it's the state of the nation That's holding our salvation Oh, the state of the nation Is causing deprivation Yes, the state of the nation Is causing deprivation