Before the Rise of an Empire

Staring straight into your eyes

The barrel of a gun

Yet another sacrifice to come

Conflict over compromise

Prospects stripped away

And it all comes with a price

Outrage

Now someone stole your light

Your future, your God-given right to shine

It takes someone to die

For others to survive

Before the rise of an empire

Another must fall

Build on the bones from the dead

It'll rise above all

And they could never crush your dreams

Nor silence your desires

And no oppressor nor regime

Could tame your fire

Defying tyranny

Your destiny's in someone else's hands

Regain your dignity

Go claim to your demands

Before the rise of an empire

Another must fall

Build on the bones from the dead

It'll rise above all

And maybe one day

Your will may be done

(And your pleas, they may be heard)

Somewhere down the darkened road beyond

Before the rise of an empire

Another must fall

Build on the bones from the dead

It'll rise above all

Before the rise of an empire

Another must fall

Build on the bones from the dead

It'll rise above all

Rise above all

Ooh, yeah