Jim Johnston

A Matter Of Conscience

Jim Johnston


I know what youre telling me to do, but I cant ignore the bended truth.
I will always remember, what the world will forget,
A future once filled with promise is not filled with anything - except with regret.

I know what I want is not what I need, what are you taking me for? 
It consumes every thought - the air that I breathe,
Dont let it trouble your conscience anymore.

Theres no way to make me understand the perfect reality,
And theres always a scapegoat right at hand, - just paint the target on me.
We fell for all of the jargon, I can still hear the cry,
Join a volunteer army that never did anything, and never asked why.

I know what I want is not what I need, what are you taking me for? 
It consumes every thought - the air that I breathe,
Dont let it trouble your conscience anymore.

The past is a noose that dangles just under my chin,
You swear that you dont despise us, take a stand, and lie to us once more.
We are what we are... think about it.

I will always remember, you assume Ill forget,
A future once filled with promise, replaced by a memory, thats filled with regret.
I know what I want is not what I need,
But it just comes back again and consumes every thought - the air that I breathe,
I guess Id still like to know what might have been.

You can say what you want, I know what I need. what are you taking me for? 
You know that I cant accept my defeat.
Its not a matter of conscience anymore.