Last Light of the Republic

[Verse 1]
Flags once bright above our heads
Now hang heavy
Stained with smoke
Marble halls that held our hope
Echo with a stranger’s oath
Senate lamps burn cold and small
As the chamber starts to spin
Every cheer that shakes these walls
Feels like thunder rolling in
[Chorus]
Raise your hands for the last light of the Republic
Watch it flicker as the shadows take the throne
Hear the promise turned to ash in a heartbeat
We were never meant to face this night alone
But the stars go out
One by one
As the storm becomes our sun
[Verse 2]
Children train with plastic blades
Dreaming they will keep us safe
On the news
They praise the change
Call it order
Call it grace
All the generals in their gray
Sign their names and bow their heads
Every world that turns away
Leaves another dream for dead
[Chorus]
Raise your hands for the last light of the Republic
Watch it flicker as the shadows take the throne
Hear the promise turned to ash in a heartbeat
We were never meant to face this night alone
But the stars go out
One by one
As the storm becomes our sun
[Bridge]
We gave our fear
To a single voice
Traded our years
For a simple choice
(Stay in line, stay in line)
Till the daylight disappeared
[Chorus]
Raise your hands for the last light of the Republic
Watch it drown beneath a tide of crimson lies
Every oath that once was sworn to protect us
Twists and hardens as the kindness leaves their eyes
And the stars go out
One by one
Now the dark
Calls itself
The sun

Cinematic orchestral ballad with male vocals; low strings and distant choir under a hushed first verse, building with brass swells and taiko-style drums into a tragic, soaring chorus. Second verse adds high strings and echoing choral answers, bridge strips to piano and solo cello before a final, crushing full-ensemble refrain that fades into soft choir and lonely horn., sad