You can walk, or you can run
You don't 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 can't be
We're losing our blood in the sea

'Cause it's the state of the nation
That's holding our salvation
Yes, it's the state of the nation
That's 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 don't kiss when you're around
I don't find that I have been
The portrait of an only son
If that's the case, then who could tell
Where my story had begun?

'Cause it's the state of the nation
That's holding our salvation
Yes, it's the state of the nation
That's holding our salvation
Yes, the state of the nation
That's causing deprivation
Oh, the state of the nation
That's causing deprivation

Even now, I'm all alone
Behind a wall that's 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 we'll never be

'Cause it's the state of the nation
That's holding our salvation
Yes, it's the state of the nation
That's holding our salvation
Oh, the state of the nation
Is causing deprivation
Yes, the state of the nation
Is causing deprivation