They accused me of writing songs I was sentenced to death 24 hours to live So long, my love They denied my last appeal Offered me a final meal 24 hours to go 24 hours to the show Health to the tyrant Health to the modern state ♪ When they tie me to the stake What a great event I'll make All of the ratings will soar High as the war And they'll pile on the sticks All my books and manuscripts All of my letters and I Will darken the sky But the Sisters of Charity Committed them to memory And all of the children Will sing like seeds on the wind Health to the tyrant Health to the modern state Health to the tower Health to the southern gate ♪ When I bring my songs to hell All the killers and infidels Will be spinning around, in flammable gowns If you take the tyrant's head They put a tyrant in his stead No more bloodshed, my friends seek no revenge Don't bring flowers to my bed I don't need them when I'm dead 24 hours to go 24 hours to the show Health to the tyrant Health to the modern state Health to the dollar Health to the modern state ♪ Health to the tyrant Health to his enemies Health to the tyrant Health to the southern gate