Nobody said it would be easy
Nobody said that it would all be fine
But to get where we're going
Brother, you've gotta hold the line
It ain't a matter of if
Nah, it's just a matter of time
But to get where we're going
Sister, gotta hold the line

You gotta stay steadfast
Tread lightly
'Cause they're looking for a reason to knock you down
But you can't ask too politely
In the trenches you gotta get loud

Hold the line (woo)
Hold the line (uh)
Don't pay 'em no mind
Oh, hold the line

Nobody said it happens overnight
But if you're looking for a sign
Remember everybody that stood up before you
Oh, they hold the line
They wanna tell you, you're already free
Put these chains on and rob you blind
When they co-op the movement
Don't trip just hold the line
Hold the line

Hold the line (woo)
Hold the line (uh)
Don't pay 'em no mind
Oh, hold the line

You gotta stay steadfast
Tread lightly
'Cause they're looking for a reason to knock you down
But you can't ask too politely
In the trenches you gotta get loud

You gotta stay steadfast
Tread lightly
'Cause they're looking for a reason to knock you down
But you can't ask too politely
In the trenches you gotta get loud

Hold the line (woo)
Hold the line (uh)
Don't pay 'em no mind
Oh, hold the line

(did away with free speech and free assembly)
(each system did away with the free press)