They keep your attention on things that don't matter
The right things to eat so you won't grow any fatter
The right things to wear, the right things to say
The friends that you have depends on how much you pay

And maybe someday if you're lucky enough
And you buy all their synthetic crap
You'll look like that girl in the magazine ad
Or the guy with the girl on his lap

You try so hard to be a good American
You want to live your life like the people on your television
But being a good American means living life in silence
And when you stand up for your rights, they'll knock you down with violence

Well, all you really have to do
If you want them to approve of you
Is shut your mouth
Don't complain
Don't even try to think for yourself
Shut your fucking brain

The power that they have is the power that you give
They take advantage of your ignorance to control the lives you live
They process the people like they process the food
They process your children while they're being schooled

So when they grow up and reach their maturity
Their disciplined minds will respect their authority
Keep them in line, you'll teach them well
So they'll shut off their minds and won't try to rebel

Teach your children well
Teach your children well