It's coming through a hole in the air
From those nights in Tiananmen Square
It's coming from the feel that ain't exactly real
Or it's real, but it ain't exactly there
From the wars against disorder, from the sirens night and day
From the fires of the homeless, from the ashes of the gay
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

It's coming from the sorrow on the street
The holy places where the races meet
From the homicidal bitching that goes down in every kitchen
To determine who will serve and who will eat
From the wells of disappointment where the women kneel to pray
For the grace of God in the desert here and the desert far away
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

Sail on, sail on
Oh, mighty Ship of State
To the Shores of Need
Past the Reefs of Greed
Through the Squalls of Hate
Sail on, sail on...

I'm sentimental, if you know what I mean
I love the country but I can't stand the scene
And I'm neither left or right, I'm just staying home tonight
Getting lost in that hopeless little screen
But I'm stubborn as those garbage bags that time cannot decay
I'm junk but I'm still holding up this little wild bouquet
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

Sail on, sail on
Oh, mighty Ship of State
To the Shores of Need
Past the Reefs of Greed
Through the Squalls of Hate
Sail on, sail on...