[Verse 1]
Why would you lie to the kids like that
Flag in your hand, other hand on the cash
Reading from a script in a painted smile
While you signing deals in the back of the aisle
You said “study hard, you can beat the game”
Then you moved the rules, then you changed the name
“Do as I say, don’t watch what I do”
Whole class learns how to twist the truth
[Chorus]
If telling the truth is a lie
Who will be to blame?
When the children copy your lines
Will you still feel the same?
You said “no hurt, no crime”
While you played with their faith
If telling the truth is a lie
Who will be to blame? (who, who?)
[Verse 2]
Lunch line long, books all torn
But you on a screen in a perfect form
Talk big talk ‘bout a bright new dawn
While the power’s out and the heat’s still gone
“Future is yours,” you repeat that phrase
But you cap their dreams, then you freeze their raise
Teach them to pledge, never teach them to ask
Now they wear your mask like it’s part of the class
[Chorus]
If telling the truth is a lie
Who will be to blame?
When the children copy your lines
Will you still feel the same?
You said “no hurt, no crime”
While you played with their faith
If telling the truth is a lie
Who will be to blame? (say who?)
(Who will be to blame?)