A Better South - American Aquarium

I was born in the shade of a longleaf pine

The proud southern son of Caroline

Proud of who I am and where I’m from

But I ain’t so proud of how far we’ve come

On the backs of the poor these towns were built

Where every ounce of pride comes with a pound of guilt

There’s a shadow here, looms long and black

It’s always one step forward and two steps back

The only dream that ain’t worth having

Is the one you won’t chase down

They say sing your songs, boy, and shut your mouth

But I believe in a better South

Yes I believe in a better South

Down here we’re still fighting for all the wrong reasons

Old men still defend these monuments to treason

To the right side of history, we’re always late

Still arguing the difference between heritage and hate

The only dream that ain’t worth having

Is the one you won’t chase down

They say sing your songs, boy, and shut your mouth

But I believe in a better South

Yes I believe in a better South

I’m sick and tired of listening to Daddy’s generation

The byproduct of war and segregation

Still thinking they can tell us of what to do

Who can live where and who can love who

The only dream that ain’t worth having

Is the one you won’t chase down

They say sing your songs, boy, and shut your mouth

But I believe in a better South

They say sing your songs, boy, and shut your mouth

Yes I believe in a better South

Yes I believe in a better South