People just don't see the way you see, boy
Maybe you could change your name to Leeroy
Give 'em something recognizable,
In a newsbite-sizeable way

I'm told it's all about the branding
Not that old peace, love, and understanding
And if honesty is as good as we say it is,
How come it doesn't pay?

Saskatchewan rappers sound like they're from Compton
And for the reggae singers it's the Caribbean
If you're country it's Houston or old San Antone
Or any old place but your very own
That's what they're callin' authentic
Couldn't even say what they mean if they meant it
They never told me their secrets, they never
Let themselves be known

But I've heard songs that broke my heart open wide
Let all these tears spill out and let the light inside
The drunken throng'll jump around to any old thing
But a song strong enough for world-changing must be
Clear as the moonlight, clear as a straight answer
Play a song for the slow dancers

Some sell it actin' sleazy
Some sell it with free and easy
Some sell it with bad sweaters and ironic moustaches
Some sell it with porn
And they're filling the air with all that traffic
Trying to turn the revolution into a demographic
Don't you think it's high time to lay it on the line?
All they got is lines to lay it on

But I've heard songs that wore their hearts on their sleeve
Got some words on this napkin I really believe
Under all the zippity-do-dah-dey
Your heart & mine are longing to say something
Clear as the moonlight, clear as a straight answer
Play a song for the slow dancers

They tell us that the industry's dying
But I can assure you, good people, they're lying
It's already dead, devoured its own head
After killing all its brightest kids
Thank God for the real singers I know
House concerts, and community radio
They'll only keep lying as long as we're listening
What if nobody did?

I've heard songs that told me I am not alone
And the only life for me to live is my own
Songs that held me in the palm of their hand
And spoke to me in words that I understand
Clear as the moonlight, clear as a straight answer
Play a song for the slow dancers