You can walk  or you can run
You dont have to be someone
I went on a summer cruise
Upon an ocean born to lose
My brother said that he was dead
I saw his face and shook my head
Can you see where we cant be
Were losing our blood in the sea
Cause its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Yes  its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Oh  the state of the nation
Is causing deprivation
Oh  the state of the nation
Is causing deprivation
From my home I traveled far
I drove in my stolen car
When it broke down  I kissed the ground
Cause I dont kiss when youre around
I dont find that I have been
The portrait of an only son
If thats the case  then who could tell
Where my story had begun
Cause its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Yes  its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Yes  the state of the nation
Thats causing deprivation
Oh  the state of the nation
Thats causing deprivation
Even now  Im all alone
Behind a wall thats made of stone
I think about where we have been
And all the sights that could be seen
I know it all could be worthwhile
If only I could force a smile
Now we turn our backs to the sea
The shame of a nation well never be
Cause its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Yes  its the state of the nation
Thats holding our salvation
Oh  the state of the nation
Is causing deprivation
Yes  the state of the nation
Is causing deprivation