Excuses are easy
When everything’s on the line
These Montana magpies
With their black and their white

Feathers sitting
Side by side
Bring an unknown offering
Of something we should try

Was he a monster or a martyr
It depends on who you ask
But once it’s done
You can’t take it back

How can I keep my mind open
If my eyes are closed
It’s hard to hide the hate
When there is no love to show

How can I nail a man up
For the color of his skin
Knock him down, make him pay
For my father’s sin

I am starting to see
We are all the color of the scars we keep

I’ll show you when you’re older
My father always said
But he never did
Get old enough for that

Every Sunday afternoon
Denim shirt, cowboy hat
Out in the Sun
Throwing shadows and an axe

There’s a tool for every job
And a job for every man
Be careful
What you put in your hands

How can I keep my mind open
If my eyes are closed
It’s hard to hide the hate
When there is no love to show

How can I nail a man up
For the color of his skin
Knock him down, make him pay
For my father’s sin

I am starting to see
We are all the color of the scars we keep

These times are hard
And it’s harder to heal
When where you were born
Decides what you fear

It’s time to be a brother
Not my father’s son
I was born to be a bigot
But that don’t mean that I am one

I put my boots on just the same
And when the day is done
I pray
For you, my son

How can I keep my mind open
If my eyes are closed
It’s hard to hide the hate
When there is no love to show

How can I nail a man up
For the color of his skin
Knock him down, make him pay
For my father’s sin

I am starting to see
We are all the color of the scars we keep