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   (State of the nation)   That's holding our salvation   Yes, it's the state of the nation   (State of the nation)   That's holding our salvation      Oh, the state of the nation   (State of the nation)   Is causing deprivation   Oh, the state of the nation   (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   (State of the nation)   That's holding our salvation   Yes, it's the state of the nation   (State of the nation)   That's holding our salvation      Yes, it's the state of the nation   (State of the nation)   That's causing deprivation   Oh, the state of the nation   (State of the nation)   That's causing deprivation      State of the nation   State of the nation   State of the nation      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 the nation we'll never be      'Cause it's the state of the nation   (State of the nation)   That's holding our salvation   Yes, it's the state of the nation   (State of the nation)   That's holding our salvation      Oh, the state of the nation   (State of the nation)   Is causing deprivation   Yes, the state of the nation   (State of the nation)   Is causing deprivation