Have you ever gotten into an argument about politics in which you were sure you were right? The lyrics to this song about democracy, using the tune of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," remind us that we may not be as clever as we sometimes think we are. Only by genuinely listening to and respecting each other can we make democracy work.

"Oh, Democracy, Where are You?" is written and sung by Micah Bucey, a regular contributor to Spirituality & Practice.


Trouble hearing this song? Listen online here.

Oh, Democracy, Where are You?
(The Battle Hymn of the Republic)

I try to be so clever and I like to be so right.
I prefer exchanges easy and my arguments airtight.
I could listen, I could compromise, but I just wanna fight.
Come save me from myself.
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Come save me from myself.

My friends all say I’m smarter than that person on that thread,
So I told him he might have a point, if he were better read,
And I wrote ten other posts to make my point and kill him dead.
Come save me from myself.
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Come save me from myself.

It’s fun inside this bubble where the people think the same.
It’s so safe inside this fantasy, my narrow little frame.
Here, I never make mistakes, apologize, or suffer shame.
Come save me from myself.
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Come save me from myself.

This morning, I woke up to find my little bubble burst.
It appears my wi-fi’s down. My laptop soapbox has been cursed.
Guess I’ll go and find a Starbucks, but I’ll charge my cell phone first.
Come save me from myself.
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Come save me from myself.

I want to sit across from you and tell you what I feel.
It’s been months since I’ve engaged in something difficult and real.
If I promise I will listen, too, can we call it a deal?
Please save me from myself.
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Oh, Democracy, where are you?
Please save us from ourselves.

More Democracy Songs

Democracy, the Vulnerable ("America, the Beautiful")
Hold Tight, Democracy ("God Bless America")
My Sweet Democracy ("My Country, 'Tis of Thee")