"The Numbers" lyrics - RISE AGAINST

RISE AGAINST
"The Numbers"
(Rise Against / Tim McIlrath)

We're biding time as we wait for the signal
Sharpening blades while we wait out the storm
These cold nights are almost unbearable
But purpose keeps us warm (Warm)
Pledge allegiance while crossing our fingers
A bark with no bite, no teeth, just a roar
You're not a thorn in our side, you're a splinter
We are ready, but we're bored

[Pre-Chorus:]
Just holding our place in line
And everything moves too slow, now
Breaking away in time

[Chorus:]
And they have the power (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
But we have the numbers, now (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
It's all just a constant illusion of control
They break us like horses (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
How long will we drag their plow? (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
What will continue to be is what we allow, oh-ooh-oh

And still, we worship at altars so empty
Consumption of something we don't need at all
Holes we can't fill, a never-ending song
"Again from the top, now"

[Pre-Chorus:]
(Oh) Textbook cases, we all fit the profile
(Oh) Mass surveillance, we opened the door
Prey on the fears, blurred lines of right and wrong
Sped up 'til we can't slow down
And at this velocity (Ay! Ay!)
One wrong move, and we go down
Brace for a reckoning

[Chorus:]
But they have the power (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
But we have the numbers, now (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
It's all just a constant illusion of control
They break us like horses (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
How long will we drag their plow? (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
What will continue to be is what we allow, oh-ooh-oh

[Bridge:]
And heavy are the chains
We fasten to ourselves
Gathering the thorns
To shape into a crown
Is this saddle comfortable?
Do these reins feel tight enough?
Will you gallop when you're kicked
Or throw the rider off?
Are you the willing and the able?
Or are you spoken for?
Destined to serve what you abhor
Until it all gives out
Listen, fuck what you call normal
And this pressure to conform (Break free!)
It's your trail to blaze
Or your bridge to burn
Your bridge to burn

[Chorus:]
Yeah, they have the power (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
And we have the numbers, now (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
It's all just a constant illusion of control
They break us like horses (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
How long will we drag their plow? (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
What will continue to be is what we allow
What will we allow? (Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh)