If no one asks, then no one answers That’s how every empire falls …

Caught a train from Alexandria Just a broken man in flight

Running scared with his devils Saying prayers all through the night

Oh but mercy can’t find him Not in the shadows where he calls

Forsaking all his better angels That’s how every empire falls

The bells ring out on Sunday morning Like echoes from another time

All our innocence and yearning and sense of wonder left behind

Oh gentle hearts remember What was that story? Is it lost?

For when religion loses vision That’s how every empire falls.

He toasts his wife and all his family The providence he brought to bear

They raise their glasses in his honor Although this union they don’t share

A man who lives among them Was still a stranger to them all

For when the heart is never open That’s how every empire falls

Padlock the door and board the windows Put the people in the street

“It’s just my job,” he says “I’m sorry.” And draws a check, goes home to eat

But at night he tells his woman “I know I hide behind the laws”.

She says, “You’re only taking orders”.  That’s how every empire falls.

A bitter wind blows through the country A hard rain falls on the sea

If terror comes without a warning  There must be something we don’t see

What fire begets this fire? Like torches thrown into the straw

If no one asks, then no one answers That’s how every empire falls.