[Verse 1]
How many flags have to burn in the square
How many judges disappear into air
How many lies dressed up as law and order
Before we admit we’re standing at the border

Of something older than we want to believe
Something that takes more than it gives, never leaves

[Chorus]
How many democracies must fall
Before we admit they want the same outcome for us all
Different accents, different flags they wave
Same old hunger for a frightened, quiet grave
How many freedoms must we trade
Before we say their names out loud
How many democracies must fall
Before we admit it now

[Verse 2]
One wears a suit, one wears a crown
One tears the house apart from the inside out
One sends the tanks, one sends the men
With badges, guns, and “just following orders” again

They call it strength, they call it peace
But every promise comes with teeth

[Chorus]
How many democracies must fall
Before we admit they want the same outcome for us all
One breaks alliances, one breaks bones
Both build thrones from silence and stones
How many truths have to die
Before we stop asking why
How many democracies must fall
Before we admit it now

[Bridge]
It doesn’t start with chains and cells
It starts with fear
It starts with “those people”
It starts with “just this once”
Until the door closes
And doesn’t open again

[Final Chorus]
How many democracies must fall
Before we see the pattern written on the wall
History’s screaming through the years
Strongmen always need our fear
If we wait until the jackboot’s laced
It’s already far too late
How many democracies must fall
Before we admit it now

[Outro]
The choice is still ours…
But not for long.

The Hartmann Report

How Many Democracies Must Fall