Lyrics

If You Don't Step Up
(Purdum/Thompson/Mishler)

Human goodness doesn't get very far
The Dark Ages don't seem to far from where we are
People fighting for their "sacred belief"
People dying. No one giving relief

Those that could help can only think of me, me
Rather spend time wishing for a bigger SUV
If you don't step up, do you think anybody else will?
They're too busy seeking the next thrill

We're all worried about the terrorists
Do you ever wonder why it's come to this?
We're not looking at the root cause
If we did, it might give us pause

People living in squalor and abject poverty
Paradise is the only hope they see
If you don't step up, do you think anybody else will?
They're too busy seeking the next thrill

For the triumph of ignorance and evil
All that's required is good people sitting still
If we really want freedom to ring
We the people should stand up and sing

No one makes a change if they don't try
Those that don't have no business asking why
If you don't step up, do you think anybody else will?
They're too busy seeking the next thrill

What kind of planet will we leave the kids?
Will they be proud -- or ashamed of what we did?
Will we choose war, greed, paranoia and hate?
Or heed the preacher who gave his life on a torture stake?

After all, it's really up to you and up to me
We can choose freedom or national insecurity
Yea, we must step up and have faith, knowing time will tell
If we don't step up, there's no chance in -- well