The devils who had done it

We had to see them dead

And enemies in distant caves

Are where the headlines led



We bought our patriotic tea

Watched our neighbors' moves

Wore stars and stripes like rosaries 

But took anything as God





I was in the hospital

Turned on the TV

Saw those fires burning 

Not sure what to think



When the morning ended

My stomach hit the floor

Anger, pain, and vengeance

Turned my gentle bones to thorns



A little girl approached me

Confusion filled the room

I asked her not expecting much: 

Whatever shall I do? She said 



[Chorus] 

Nightmares will never gain

Power over you and me 

On your doorstep, theres a new threat

Say "no" to nightmares, "no" to fear

[Repeat]



Our rightous grief and outrage

Brought politicians' threats

Unless I watched the way I vote 

They told me I'd be next



People near Ground Zero

Some put down their sword

But people in the heartland

Were more scared than in New York



Diners off of country roads

Served the fearful news

It had nowhere to dissipate

Except the ballot booth 



[Chorus]



If the boss just laid you off

She blamed it on that day

Everything that wasn't right

We all knew what to say



Everything was suspect

And no one dared to ask: 

Were policies to win our minds?

Or were there really threats?



Most were decent people

Jonesing for a dose

Of that sweet taste known as freedom

But the fruited plain had closed





Soon kids won't remember

My niece is only five

But if she asks I'll hold her

I'll sing a lullaby