How long will it take, how can we escape
As the windows were smashed
And the soft middle class crowded in to the last
Were there, for they also were hounded
Was the ringing of revolution
By the ringing of revolution
Of the decades of dark execution
As they shook in doubtful devotion
Where the blood of Christ is still flowing
With compromise sway we give in half way
But their thoughts were broken
For our time was taken with treasure
Now everything's lost as they kneel by the cross
By the ringing of revolution
The clouds filled the room in darkening doom
As the crooked smoke rings were rising
The ringing of revolution
To late for their sorrow they've reached their tomorrow
As they vanished inside
And the quivering floor responds to the roar
And the crackling crowd is laughing out loud
In the distance only money could measure
Sadly they stared and sank in their chairs
As back and forth they are pacing
Now harvested
And searched for a comforting notion
Comes the ringing of revolution
And they talked about
We're sorry for the way you were driven
The ice cubes would clink as they freshened their drinks
And they cover their ears and try not to hear
And they sheepishly grinned for their memories were dim
There's no need to taunt just take what you want
We were hardly aware of the hardships they beared
In a shake no longer surprising
By the ringing of revolution
Someone asks, but no one's advising
When we saw that rebellion was growing
And the rich silver walls looked ready to fall
And the noise outside
Down on our knees we're begging you please
As closer and closer
For the building was fully surrounded
In the shattering of their illusions
And reaped the seed they were sowing
Peeking in at the target they're chasing
And the merchants of style, with their red velvet smiles
In tattered tuxedos they faced the new heroes
Hollow hands were raised, they stood there amazed
But away from the grounds the flames told the town
The world, cold and gray, was so far away
Oh, life was a game, and work was a shame
And pain was prevented by pleasure
Softly they moan, please leave us alone
The ringing of revolution
Wet their minds in bitter emotion
That only the dead are forgiven
And crawled about in confusion
And we'll make amends, if we're living
Now trembling inside
With pillows of silk they're embracing
