Excuses are easy
When everything's on the line
These Montana magpies
With their black and their white
Feathers sitting
Side by side
Bring an unknown offering
Of something we should try
Was he a monster or a martyr
It depends on who you ask
But once it's done
You can't take it back
How can I keep my mind open
If my eyes are closed
It's hard to hide the hate
When there is no love to show
How can I nail a man up
For the color of his skin
Knock him down, make him pay
For my father's sin
I am starting to see
We are all the color of the scars we keep
"I'll show you when you're older"
My father always said
But he never did
Get old enough for that
Every Sunday afternoon
Denim shirt, cowboy hat
Out in the sun
Throwing shadows and an axe
There's a tool for every job
And a job for every man
Be careful
What you put in your hands
How can I keep my mind open
If my eyes are closed
It's hard to hide the hate
When there is no love to show
How can I nail a man up
For the color of his skin
Knock him down, make him pay
For my father's sin
I am starting to see
We are all the color of the scars we keep
These times are hard
And it's harder to heal
When where you were born
Decides what you fear
It's time to be a brother
Not my father's son
I was born to be a bigot
But that don't mean that I am one
I put my boots on just the same
And when the day is done
I pray
For you, my son
How can I keep my mind open
If my eyes are closed
It's hard to hide the hate
When there is no love to show
How can I nail a man up
For the color of his skin
Knock him down, make him pay
For my father's sin
I am starting to see
We are all the color of the scars we keep
We are all the color of the scars we keep