The Empire

In halls of smoke, in screens of light,  
The Empire wears a face so bright.  
It smiles in films, in news it speaks,  
Concealing well the pain it wreaks.

Yet listen close, you'll hear the cries,  
Beyond the reach of public eyes, 
of justice stolen, peace undone,  
In countless lands under the sun.

They say it's “normal”, say it's fine,  
The endless wars, a grand design.  
But what of Yemen's children’s plea?  
Iraqis’ deaths and poverty?

We’re taught to look, yet not to see  
The Empire's hidden tyranny.  
Beneath the mask, what horrors dwell,  
In hidden vaults, we cannot tell.

Let's turn our gaze to what's been hid,  
Unveil the truths the strong forbid,
By breaking “norms”, we might reclaim  
The normalcy of love's true name.

So point and say, "Look, there it is,"
Each hidden shame, each dark abyss.  
For justice, love, and peace should reign—  
Let’s pull Empire from its plane.

Dismantle myths and cast them down,  
From Hollywood to every town.  
Let’s learn the truths we didn’t hear
And see the world with eyes so clear.

For what's been “normal” can still change,  
If our love expands its range.  
So let's unmask Empire’s spin,  
And build a world worth living in. 

NEW: The Empire has been released as a country love song on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music and and dozens of other music platforms (article includes links to the song)