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