I grew up in a photograph: Small towns, dirt roads, old men in hats. I went away to university, but I couldn't ignore what was happening. I tried to tell the people -- but the cops threw me in jail. They said what I did was evil; I can't tell no one these tales: Of Freedom, of Justice! They told me that they'd let me go, once I'd unlearned all the things I know. But I can't be silent; I won't be shy -- someone's got to stand up to their lies. I tried to tell the people -- but the cops threw me in jail. They said what I did was evil; I can't tell no one these tales: Of Expression, of Choices! Will my kids grow up in a world that's free, or a cage of forced insanity? These cement blocks, they fence me in; I may never see the sun or sky again. I tried to tell the people -- but the cops threw me in jail. They said what I did was evil; I can't tell no one these tales: Of Liberty, of Tolerance! I tried to tell the people -- but the cops threw me in jail. They said what I did was evil; I can't tell no one these tales: Free Speech! Free Thoughts! Free Press! A Free Society is based on Truth!