G C G C
In a building of gold, with riches untold,
G C G - C
lived the families on which the country was founded.
G C G C
And the merchants of style, with their red velvet smiles,
G Em D
were there, for they also were hounded.
G C G C
And the soft middle class crowded in to the last,
G Em Bm
for the building was fully surrounded.
G C G D7 G
And the noise outside was the ringing of revolution.
G C G C
Sadly they stared and sank in their chairs
G C G - C
and searched for a comforting notion.
G C G C
And the rich silver walls looked ready to fall
G Em D
As they shook in doubtful devotion.
G C G C
The ice cubes would clink as they freshened their drinks,
G Em Bm
wet their minds in bitter emotion.
G C G D7 G
And they talked about the ringing of revolution.
G C G - C
We were hardly aware of the hardships they beared,
G C G - C
for our time was taken with treasure.
G C G C
Oh, life was a game, and work was a shame,
G Em D
And pain was prevented by pleasure.
G C G C
The world, cold and grey, was so far away
G Em Bm
In the distance only money could measure.
G C G D7 G
But their thoughts were broken by the ringing of revolution.
G C G - C
The clouds filled the room in darkening doom
G C G - C
as the crooked smoke rings were rising.
G C G C
How long will it take, how can we escape
G Em D
Someone asks, but no one's advising.
G C G C
And the quivering floor responds to the roar,
G Em Bm
In a shake no longer surprising.
G C G D7 G
As closer and closer comes the ringing of revolution.
G C G - C
Softly they moan, please leave us alone
G C G - C
As back and forth they are pacing.
G C G C
And they cover their ears and try not to hear
G Em D
WIth pillows of silk they're embracing.
G C G C
And the crackling crowd is laughing out loud,
G Em Bm
peeking in at the target they're chasing.
G C G D7 G
Now trembling inside the ringing of revolution.
G C G C
With compromise sway we give in half way
G C G - C
When we saw that rebellion was growing.
G C G C
Now everything's lost as they kneel by the cross
G Em D
Where the blood of christ is still flowing.
G C G C
To late for their sorrow they've reached their tomorrow
G Em Bm
and reaped the seed they were sowing.
G C G D7 G
Now harvested by the ringing of revolution.
G C G C
In tattered tuxedos they faced the new heroes
G C G - C
and crawled about in confusion.
G C G C
And they sheepishly grinned for their memoroes were dim
G Em D
of the decades of dark execution.
G C G C
Hollow hands were raised; they stood there amazed
G Em Bm
in the shattering of their illusions.
G C G D7 G
As the windows were smashed by the ringing of revolution.
G C G C
Down on our knees we're begging you please,
G C G - C
We're sorry for the way you were driven.
G C G C
There's no need to taunt just take what you want,
G Em D
and we'll make amends, if we're living.
G C G C
But away from the grounds the flames told the town
G Em Bm
that only the dead are forgiven.
G C G D7 G
As they crumbled inside the ringing of revolution.
